Former mayor contesting Eureka

THE Liberals have announced former Moorabool Shire mayor and current councillor, Paul Tatchell, as the endorsed candidate for the seat of Eureka at November’s State election.

A retired transport company operator, he’s lived in Ballan for 35 years, has been a Moorabool Shire councillor for a decade and mayor four times.

Mr Tatchell said he’s running for State parliament to be a “catalyst for change,” and to ensure future generations get the infrastructure they deserve and pay for.

“I’m not your average politician, I’m just a normal everyday person that believes in our community. I want to put some common sense back into Spring Street, and depoliticise it,” he said.

His priorities are to improve roads and the health system, lower living costs, decrease taxes and regional rail travel prices.

“Our road infrastructure has been neglected. Rural people use these roads and pay the price when they’re in poor condition.

“It’s incredibly important that people have good access to healthcare. Ballarat hospital is under enormous stress, and little country hospitals are being driven to the wall,” he said.

“The money people save on the train will be put back into the towns and cities they visit. It’s a smart investment.”

Mr Tatchell said he’ll advocate to improve road safety in Buninyong, for more community recreation spaces to be created in broader Ballarat East, to and give attention to villages across the electorate that “want a fair go.”

Originally an army engineer, Mr Tatchell has also worked as a journalist, but now retired, he said his focus is social work.

“We built a homeless village and refuge for victims of family violence in Ballan, and we have about 27 residents,” he said.

“At this stage of life, it’s time to put something back. I’m a country boy, I love the region, and I want to fight for parity.”