Road an election issue

The completion of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road must be a priority for the winner of Saturday’s Federal election because its delay is holding back the development of Greater Bunbury, according to a leading economic body.

Bunbury Wellington Economic Alliance chief executive officer Matt Granger said the project needed commitment and collaboration between the State and Federal governments.

“Up to now there has been blame shifting between the tiers of government,” he said.

“Mrs Marino (Forrest MHR Nola Marino) said it is her ‘number two priority’ after the Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport.

“This is a very welcome commitment and if Mrs Marino is re-elected, we will seek to work closely with her to get traction on the project.”

Mr Granger said he was pleased with a $10 million pledge to upgrade the Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport and $1 million put forward for a feasibility study into fixing water quality issues in Wellington Dam.

The economy, marriage equality and the environment have been raised as the main issues by the candidates for the seat of Forrest ahead of the election.

Labor candidate Lorrae Loud said the primary issue for her was the restoration of fair access to healthcare and education.

“Labor is committed to protecting Medicare, funding Gonski and ensuring everyone has fair access to the health services and education,” she said.

Liberal candidate Nola Marino said she wanted to see the South West benefit from an improved economy which would build on the region’s strengths in mining, agriculture, education and the services sector.

“Our plan is structured to provide jobs and growth and a secure future for families,” she said.

The Nationals candidate Luke Pilkington said the most important issue was having a voice for people in Federal Parliament.

“The people of Forrest deserve to have their concerns heard, big and small,” he said.

Greens candidate Jill Reading said the most important issue in Forrest was climate change, followed closely by fracking.

Independent candidate Ross Slater said his main issue for the election was the defence of the Marriage Act.

“No one has listed what damage can be caused by changing the act and I believe children will be disadvantaged because they won’t have a mother and father,” he said.

Rise Up Australia candidate Jennifer Whately said freedom of speech was a big issue and something she was campaigning about.

“We should be able to put Australia first and look after our interests and speak out without worrying about political correctness,” she said.

Outdoor Recreation Party candidate David Fishlock’s concerns are same sex marriage and the review of the National Firearm Agreement.

“I don’t see why same sex marriage should not go ahead because it’s a civil rights issue and I don’t think it will be destructive,” he said.

Australian Christians candidate Edward Dabrowski said the family structure was the most important issue for him along with jobs.

“I think the Government needs to do more to support the traditional mum, dad and kids,” he said.