Development, heritage, jobs key election issues for Williamstown

RESIDENTIAL development near major hazard facilities, protecting heritage and saving jobs will loom large for voters in the Williamstown electorate on November 29.

Williamstown candidates say residential development and protecting heritage is a key election issue.

RESIDENTIAL development near major hazard facilities, protecting heritage and saving jobs will loom large for voters in the Williamstown electorate on November 29.

Five candidates will contest the seat held by Labor’s Wade Noonan since 2007.

The Liberal candidate is engineer and Yarraville resident Alan Shea, while West Footscray’s Simon Crawford will stand for the Greens.

New party on the block Voice for the West has nominated Yarraville secondary teacher Libby Krepp as its candidate, while independent Khalil Wehbe from Williamstown will also seek election.

Mr Noonan said a Labor government would launch an inquiry to determine safe buffer zones around major hazard facilities, including the Mobil tank farm in Williamstown.

Mr Crawford called for an inquiry into the approval process for the controversial residential development at the former Port Phillip Woollen Mills site.

“There should be a review of the planning scheme and that includes how VCAT is used in that process,’’ Mr Crawford said.

Mr Noonan said the input of residents at the state planning tribunal should be strengthened.

“You also have to work very closely with the local council and assist them by supporting responsible planning controls for large developments,’’ Mr Noonan said.

Mr Shea said most people he spoke to were concerned about the economy and job prospects.