Victorian election 2022: Bass race between Jordan Crugnale and Aaron Brown

Farmer Faye Tuchtan says roads, conservation and rezoning are set to be big farm-related issues ahead of next month’s state election.

Hugging Western Port Bay, a circuitous drive through the Bass electorate explains why its up for grabs at next month’s state election.

The northern boundary is dominated by Melbourne’s ever-expanding suburban waistline, with the new neighbourhoods of Cranbourne and Pakenham posing an ongoing challenge for Melways mapmakers.

At its southwestern point lies tourist hotspot Philip Island – home to penguins, pinot and petrolheads.

Sandwiched between are farmers like Faye Tuchtan.

She says the growing pains of suburbia would be front-of-mind for voters next month.

“The state of country roads throughout Victoria are dangerous and the rezoning of very productive farmland to residential is also a big issue,” Ms Tuchtan said.

The Victorian Farmers Federation representative said the Bass Coast Distinctive Areas Landscape overlays were also of concern for voters as they prepare to make their mark on ballot papers.

“The draft has many points which have raised concerns and, if passed, will affect the working of farmers,” Ms Tuchtan said.

“Sand and gravel mining in our state forests and conservation reserves in the Bass electorate are also of concern.

“There has been shown to have many endangered flora and fauna in these reserves. Already several grass trees were cut down illegally.”

Beef farmer Faye Tuchtan is a beef farmer in the Bass electorate. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Labor MP Jordan Crugnale first won Bass at the 2018 state election, securing the constituency with a 2.4 per cent margin.

However, a redistribution this term means the electorate now has a notional 0.7 per cent margin for the Liberal Party.

Bass Liberal Party candidate Aaron Brown — son of former opposition leader Alan Brown — said health care and coastal erosion were top issues this campaign.

“Victoria’s broken health system is raised with me frequently,” the former South Gippsland councillor said.

“The development of the Phillip Island and Wonthaggi hospitals under a Liberal government will provide a greater range of care for locals and visitors.”

Bass National Party candidate Brett Tessari is providing a three-corner contest for Ms Crugnale and Mr Brown, in a seat that has traditionally flipped between the red and blue teams.

“Definitely the roads, the lack of emergency services, health care and the rapidly increasing debt,” the former Bass Coast mayor said.

“The people I have spoken to are sick of the politician that will be all talk but only toe the big party lines, they want someone to go into bat for them.”

Ms Crugnale’s office was contacted by The Weekly Times but did not respond in time for deadline.

Originally published as Victorian election 2022: Bass race between Jordan Crugnale and Aaron Brown