Independent about structural security

WITH the State Election looming, a Bacchus Marsh Grammar employee is running as an independent candidate in the renamed seat of Eureka.

Bacchus Marsh-based Nicola Reid said she wants to ensure the region is structurally prepared for the return of tourism, with her key goal to fix a major thoroughfare in the area.

“My main priority which affects the whole of Eureka is about major upgrades for the Western Freeway,” she said.

“Obviously, a lot of people commute from Ballarat to the city so that will be beneficial to them, let alone everyone in the corridor.

“Especially with the overseas borders being opened we’re going to now see overseas tourists return and it’s important that we’re ready for that.”

Ms Reid’s list of issues to address include the ensured delivery of projects like the major events precinct, Link Road upgrades, and the Buninyong skatepark upgrade.

Following a singing career while living in her native Manchester, Ms Reid migrated to Melbourne and worked as an accountant before becoming an education support officer for disabled students at Bacchus Marsh Grammar.

She said she was inspired to run after joining a campaign against proposed soil dumping from the West Gate tunnel at the Maddingley Brown Coal site.

“It instilled this anger at me that we were being treated like this by the Labor Government. At the end of that, I realised I wanted to stand up for our communities,” she said.

“It’s been a natural progression since then. I’ve had this anger inside me for the west missing out. We’re always given stale breadcrumbs and the difference between the east is chalk and cheese.

“I simply want to take these developments to the floor, take it to the chamber. I want to get these projects accelerated and secure the funding for them.

“I’m a straight shooter. I’m not intimidated, I like a good debate and I’ve got a real passion for my community.”