Roads, renewables and state taxes spark debate at Ripon election forum

Nearly 200 people attended a forum featuring election candidates for the Victorian electorate of Ripon. The upcoming state election, set for November 28, is expected to be one of the most significant in recent years, and the traditionally swingable seat, held by major parties for five decades, presents a challenging prospect for the incumbent Labor Party.

Several contentious issues were discussed during the forum, which was attended primarily by local constituents, as the candidates sought to gauge regional voter sentiment ahead of the crucial polls.

Among the topics of debate were renewable energy transmission lines, the emergency services levy, and the state's road infrastructure. The forum, featuring seven candidates, was notably absent of sitting Labor MP Martha Haylett, who cited an "urgent family matter" as her reason for not attending. Another absent candidate was One Nation's Ripon candidate, Donna Buxton.

Among the candidates present, Nationals candidate Jo Armstrong expressed her opposition to the renewable energy push, specifically the Western Renewables Link (WRL) and the VNI West transmission line. She stated her personal stance against the WRL but emphasized that the Coalition's policy stands to review it. Tim Drylie, a Green candidate, advocated for better compensation for Victorians during the transition to renewable energy, stating that residents are not currently being adequately empowered to make decisions regarding the renewable transition.

Liberal candidate Megan Read, a Skipton farmer, raised concerns about the VNI West project, criticizing the requirement for farmers to "chain themselves to their gates" to protect their land. With personal experience in fighting for the rights of farmers related to wind farms, Read expressed her inability to witness the same struggles reoccurring in her constituents' case.

The forum witnessed an emotional response from the audience when the Green candidates initiated a Welcome to Country, with some attendees booing and telling them to leave. The Ripon electorate has historically shifted between the major parties and is considered one of the rural seats where Labor faces difficulties in maintaining their hold.

With the seat changing hands every 50 years, the region's diverse industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, as well as its significant retiree population, present unique challenges and considerations for the candidates vying for the electorate's support.