BillingSmith joins race

PAKENHAM woman Cheryl BillingSmith has joined the list of challengers for the state election.
Ms BillingSmith will stand as an independent candidate in the seat of Bass on 25 November.
She joins sitting MP Ken Smith, ALP challenger John Anderson and Nationals candidate Jacky Abbott among the confirmed starters for Bass, which takes in much of the Pakenham district and is one of the most marginal seats in Victoria.
Ms BillingSmith is no stranger to local politics having previously stood for Cardinia Shire Council but this is her first foray into the state arena.
“I believe that I have much to contribute to our community as an independent candidate,” she said.
“I care about the needs of people and I have the ability, drive and passion to make a difference for people, families and the environment.”
Ms BillingSmith’s nomination comes as election campaign momentum continues to build.
Bass and the neighbouring seat of Gembrook are expected to be two of the tightest seats with only a handful of votes deciding the contests in 2002.
The Nationals last week announced that Yarra Valley resident Peter McConachy would join Labor MP Tammy Lobato and Liberal Simon Wilde in the battle for the seat.
“I want to ensure the Gembrook electorate receives its fair share of funding to improve health and education services and prospects for further commercial growth, particularly in tourism,” Mr McConachy said.
“Local tourism operators have done a fabulous job promoting this area and I want to ensure they are provided with support to continue to grow their businesses.”
Mr McConachy is the third generation of his family to work in Victoria’s timber industry and said he was keen to ensure public land remains accessible to bush users throughout Victoria.
Nominations for the elections close tomorrow (Thursday, 9 November) for the major parties and Friday (9 November) for independents. A full list of candidates will be published in next week’s Gazette.