Meet the candidates forum raises questions about the seat of Corangamite

NORTH Bellarine residents crowded into the SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre in Drysdale on Saturday April 27 to meet with three politicians campaigning for the seat of Corangamite in the fastapproaching federal election (Saturday May 18).

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson was in attendance alongside contenders Libby Coker (Labor Party) and Simon Northeast (Greens).

Each candidate spoke of their differing views for the region and for Australia, with Sarah Henderson promising to represent the community with “heart and soul”. Ms Henderson also spoke of her plans to build safer roads, improve transport infrastructure and ensure safer communities.

Labor candidate Libby Coker drilled in on issues of social equality and social justice. Ms Coker concentrated on a message of fairness across the workplace, taxation system, education department and health care services. She also offered action on climate change.

Greens representative Simon Northeast emphasised his party’s strategies for combatting climate change as well as integrity and transparency in politics.

The forum’s question time saw locals ask about the prospects of a northern Bellarine pool and how it might be funded.

Other concerns raised included state and federal policy on climate change, negative gearing and taxation policy as well as refugees, housing affordability and public housing, penalty rates and education funding.