Two weeks before Scott Morrison called for the election, sitting Labor MP Libby Coker pledged $1.9 million to the Karaaf Wetlands as part of her bid for a second term.
She said that she is committed to improving waterways and ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to protect them.
Stephanie Asher, Liberal candidate, insisted that the federal government has demonstrated its commitment towards coastal ecosystems through its environmental restoration fund. She has not made any announcements regarding the Karaaf Wetlands however. But it is on my radar, she stated.
Labor MP for Corangamite Libby Coker. Credit:Eddie Jim
Similar concerns are expressed across the electorate. Lawrence St.Leger, chairperson of the Combined Bellarine Community Associations, wants stronger protections for nearby Lake Connewarre flora & fauna reserves.
St.Leger was a former Deakin University health faculty dean. He studied the benefits of nature for human health and recommended that the Commonwealth play a stronger role in protecting natural environments.
He said that we haven’t seen any leadership in this area.
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Since the 2019 election, when Labor won the seat, the boundaries of Corangamites have changed significantly. Rural communities were created to accommodate the booming centres like Torquay and Armstrong Creek.
Some towns, like Winchelsea and Lorne are no longer part of the electorate.
Both Asher, and Coker are well-respected community figures. While the former was mayor of Greater Geelong, she took time to run for the election. Coker is a former mayor at Surf Coast Shire.
Asher stated that local issues will be decisive in this election.
Corangamite people are strongly connected to their senses of place.
Stephanie Asher, Liberal candidate in Corangamite. Credit:Eddie Jim
She has pledged $20 million for the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre second stage, and hundreds of thousands each to upgrade local sports clubs.
Labor has pledged $3.25million for sport facilities in Leopold, a suburb of Geelong. It also committed $450,000 for the expansion of a Bannockburn childcare center.
Coker stated that some Corangamite residents struggle with living expenses despite the high house prices in Torquay (the median Torquay home price is more than $1.3million). It may appear to be a prosperous area but it is filled with people trying very hard. These people need help with childcare. They need assistance with the cost-of-living.
If Labor wants to win government, it must hold Corangamite elections in this election. Credit:Eddie Jim
Ocean Grove midweek afternoon The AgeA handful of voters responded that climate change and the local environment were their top priorities. Gwen, a resident of the seaside community since 1964 said she would vote Labor as she believed it would take more action to combat climate change.
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She said, “I have grandchildren.” I won’t be affected by anything that happens.
Caitlin, a fellow resident said that the vote would be decided by climate change or erosion of the coast. You can see the coastline changing every day, she said, while trying to juggle her three-month old baby.
Ihab Housaiki lives in Mt Duneed on a housing estate and runs the 9 Grams cafes. He said that cost of living was a constant topic of conversation with his customers.
Some people worry about petrol. He said that some people are worried about houses. Many people fear that house prices will drop after the election, as banks will increase their interest rates.
Chris Blake is a Torquay resident.Credit:Eddie Jim
Chris Blake is one of the newcomers to town. He moved from Maribyrnong to a permanent residence in The Sands after the pandemic that accelerated his retirement. Blake said that although he has been a Liberal voter most of his adult life, he is now undecided about which party he will support on local issues.
He said that living in a marginal electorate gave local voters the chance to obtain commitments from candidates for protecting local habitats, including those of the Karaaf Wetlands.
It’s great to be in an electorate that can make a difference, he said.
Jacqueline Maley provides expert analysis, news, and views to cut through the noise surrounding the federal election campaign. Register for our Australia Votes 2022 newsletter.