COLAC Otway Shire councillor Joe McCracken is set to join incumbent Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur as a Liberal candidate for the Upper House.<\/p>\n
Cr McCracken is the Opposition’s recommended pick for pre-selection in the 2022 election for the region.<\/p>\n
The councillor is a Colac teacher and is originally from Beaufort in the Western Victorian region, and said he hoped to make the region a better place if elected.<\/p>\n
“I have always taken community representation seriously, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve,” Cr McCracken stated.<\/p>\n
“Thank you to all my friends, family and supporters in the community.<\/p>\n
“I’m so proud of what we have achieved together. And what we will achieve in the future.”<\/p>\n
Cr McCracken announced his intention to take a leave of absence from the council last month while he contests the election.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Ms McArthur’s re-election chances received a boost as she is likely to take top spot on the Liberal Party ballot for the region.<\/p>\n
Ms McArthur, a former Corangamite Shire councillor, will try for a second term in the next Parliament after winning a first stint in the Upper House in 2018.<\/p>\n
Ms McArthur said securing infrastructure and service investment for the region’s “vast array of entrepreneurs and enterprises” would be among her priorities ahead of this year’s vote.<\/p>\n
“If the Liberal membership in Western Victoria sees fit, I look forward to continuing my work for individuals, families, small business and farmers,” she stated.<\/p>\n
“I am humbled by the support I receive from so many impressive, talented and hardworking Victorians.<\/p>\n
“I get up every morning to fight (in) their corner.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
COLAC Otway Shire councillor Joe McCracken is set to join incumbent Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur as a Liberal candidate for the Upper House. […]<\/p>\n