Voters across Greater Bunbury have begun to visit polling booths across the region to decide who they want to represent them in state politics for the next four years.
Eight candidates are contesting the seat of Bunbury and with the retirement of Liberal incumbent John Castrilli, the traditional bellwether seat is definitely in play.
A further eight are vying for Collie-Preston which Labor’s Mick Murray has held since 2001. Twice he has won the seat by less than 100 votes, including the last election in 2013.
James Hayward hopes to be Bunbury’s first Nationals MP
The Nationals WA President James Hayward is also his party’s candidate for the seat of Bunbury.
The current City of Bunbury councillor is trying to become the first Nationals Member for Bunbury and looks like he will go closer than those who have tried before him.
Voting early on Saturday morning at Bunbury Primary School, Mr Hayward said he believes it is very important to get Rio Tinto and BHP to pay their fair share and to protect Royalties for Regions.
Hear his final pitch to voters below.
Ian Morrison hoping to continue the Liberal’s work in Bunbury
Liberal candidate for Bunbury Ian Morrison was selected as the government’s man to continue the many years of hard work carried out by John Castrilli.
An experienced Bunbury lawyer, Mr Morrison is passionate about fixing the scourge of methamphetamines in Bunbury, reducing the regional road toll and completing the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project.
Like Mr Hayward, Mr Morrison also visited Bunbury Primary School on Saturday morning to cast his vote.
Labor’s Don Punch is ‘proudly Bunbury’
Labor’s Don Punch has reminded voters visiting the polls today that he is ‘proudly Bunbury’ and passionate about local jobs.
Highlights of Labor’s Plan for Bunbury include a revitalised Australind train service, building a police station in Capel, developing a specific tourism package for the South West and an upgrade to Bunbury Hospital.
Listen to Don below.
One Nation candidate Sam Brown staying true to himself
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation candidate for Bunbury Sam Brown told voters on Saturday that he has been around the block and is learning the ins and outs of politics very quickly.
He said if voters want someone they know will back them in any situation, it’s him.
Have a listen below.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers aim to protect land owner’s rights
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate for Bunbury Bernie Masters is a former Vasse MP and worked as a geological and environmental consultant.
He told voters on Saturday, he joined the party because they had the best policies for protecting a land owners right to use their space for whatever legal use they see fit.
Hear his message to voters below.