Liberal Party reveals candidate for Corangamite

AFTER a week of speculation, the Liberal Party has officially announced its candidate for Corangamite, former SAS soldier Darcy Dunstan.

Speaking at a beachside press conference in Torquay, which the Surf Coast Times exclusively covered, Dunstan said the next federal election campaign had begun.

“I live in this community with my fiancée, my 14 month old daughter, and I see a future for this country where all Australian children, my daughter included, have more opportunities than everyone here today.”

“I want to fight to get this country back on track.

“People in this community are struggling, hard-working Australians, families sacrificing a lot just to pay the bills.”

“This is the start of the campaign.”

The tradesman, business owner and dad said it was an honour and privilege to be endorsed by the Liberal Party as their candidate for Corangamite.

 

 

Mr Dunstan said he had a lot of hard work ahead of him.

“I welcome the challenge. I look forward to meeting residents in all corners of the electorate, working with community groups, business owners, and making sure that their wants and needs are heard at the highest levels.”

Mr Dunstan said the main issues facing the electorate included the cost of living and the need to listen to business owners.

The press conference took place at the same beach where Surf Coast residents turned up in their thousands a week earlier to protest seismic blasting in the Otway Basin.

It was one of the biggest community protests the electorate has ever seen, and one of the biggest paddle outs on record.

In March, Corangamite federal member Libby Coker called for a halt to the decision on seismic blasting in the Otway Basin until a proper review had taken place.

 

 

Following a meeting with Ms Coker the regulator announced it had pressed pause on the permit application to allow for a detailed assessment of the Environmental Plan.

Mr Dunstan said he did not attend the rally but his conservation credentials included protecting the black rhino overseas.

“Conservation and the environment are passions of mine,” he stated.

Mr Dunstan said he would have more to say on the seismic testing proposal down the track.

At the launch, Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson, who previously held the seat of Corangamite, spoke highly of Dunstan.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that Darcy’s now seeking to serve the people of Corangamite.”

Ms Henderson said the Liberals did not underestimate the task ahead to win the seat.

“I know Darcy, you’re up for the fight and I am absolutely delighted that you are going to be representing the Liberal Party here in Corangamite.”