Renewables, Roads, and Emergency Services Levy Dominate Ripon Election Forum

Renewable energy transmission lines, the emergency services levy, and road conditions were among the contentious topics discussed at a recent candidates' forum in the regional Victorian electorate of Ripon.

The forum, attended by more than 200 people, was seen as a gauge of the regional electorates' sentiments ahead of the upcoming state election, which is shaping up to be one of the most extraordinary in years.

Candidates Weigh In on Key Issues

Seven candidates vying for the Ripon seat attended the forum in Newlyn, although sitting Labor member Martha Haylett was noticeably absent, citing an "urgent family matter" that prevented her from attending. One Nation's Ripon candidate, Donna Buxton, was also absent, but two One Nation representatives were present.

The debate became heated as passionate questions were asked from the floor, with concerns raised about the state government's plans for the Western Renewables Link (WRL) and the VNI West transmission line, as well as the emergency services levy and the state of Victoria's roads.

Nationals candidate Jo Armstrong expressed her opposition to the renewable energy push, stating, "I support canning the WRL, personally, but the Coalition's policy at this point — I'm going to be completely clear — is to review it." She added, "I'm fighting for what you all want, and that is cancel it before the election."

Greens candidate Tim Drylie emphasized the need for better compensation for residents during Victoria's transition to renewable energy, saying, "We're not seeing that enough at the moment." He continued, "[People] need to be empowered to make decisions around the renewable transition."

Liberal candidate Megan Read, a Skipton farmer, voiced concerns about VNI West, stating, "We don't need farmers chaining themselves to their gates just to protect their land. That's just absolutely disgusting." She added, "I have walked this journey for 20 years … we were fighting the same proponent for a wind farm … I cannot see people go through the same thing."

Electorate Insights

The Ripon electorate, which covers areas to the west and north of Ballarat, including the towns of Ararat, Beaufort, and Maryborough, has historically flipped between major parties and is considered a crucial seat for Labor to hold in the upcoming election.

The electorate's industries include agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, with a significant proportion of retirees. Notably, about 40 per cent of landowners in Victoria's north have allowed survey access on their properties for renewable projects.

Victorians will go to the polls on November 28.