TIME TO VOTE Bellarine voters to choose their representative this weekend

BELLARINE voters will head to the polls this weekend for the 2018 state election.

Five candidates are vying for the seat of Bellarine: Labor’s Lisa Neville (incumbent MP), Brian McKiterick from the Liberal party, Naomi Adams from the Animal Justice Party, Rachel Semmens from the Australian Greens, and Jackie Kriz from the Victorian Socialists.

The candidates have been put under the microscope during the last few months, with a Meet the Candidates forum in Ocean Grove last week concluding a series of five held across the Bellarine in the lead up to the election.

Combined Bellarine Community Associations spokesperson Chris Kelly said during the five forums it was obvious that planning and development was a big focus for the coastal communities.

Ms Kelly said many residents were concerned about their community preserving the distinctive character that makes them so attractive to tourists and residents alike.

“Questions from the floor focused too on recreational infrastructure such as swimming pools on the north Bellarine, and the impact of traffic movement through communities like Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove and Queenscliff, especially with the Sorrento-Queenscliff terminal upgrade.

“Also frustrating to Bellarine residents is the lack of an integrated transport plan for the Bellarine Peninsulathat would manage heavy vehicle traffic, the increasing congestion caused by more and more cars, and the need for the Bellarine Link to progress.”

Ms Kelly said all forums were conducted in good spirit, and really appreciated by audiences.

To see what each political party is pledging, turn to page 5, and for a more comprehensive list, head to bellarinetimes.com.au.