Phillip Island: What the coastal town is thinking ahead of the 2022 Federal Election

It’s been a safe Liberal seat since 2002 but residents in the seat of Rhyll say they are tired of being “ignored”.

The Rhyll Mechanics Institute polling booth on Phillip Island.

It’s been a safe Liberal seat since 2002 but residents in the seat of Rhyll say they are tired of being “ignored”.

The Rhyll Mechanics Institute booth on Phillip Island is considered a rusted-on booth and is part of the seat of Bass — a traditional Liberal electorate.

Sitting south-east of Melbourne, the rural electorate begins on the state capital’s growing fringe, taking in parts of Clyde and Pakenham then extending south to Lang Lang, Wonthaggi, Inverloch, San Remo and Phillip Island.

The seat has been held by Russel Broadbent since 2019.

More than 80 per cent of Bass residents were born in Australia but the needs of demographics in the area are “diverse”.

The Bass Coast News asked locals what party they would be supporting and some said the major parties would not be getting their vote.

Phillip Island resident Nick Carlson said because his electorate was considered a “safe” seat, the community has missed out on upgrades and funding.

“A lot of stuff has been ignored by the federal government, basic infrastructure — road maintenance and upgrades, public amenities, green spaces, parks,” Mr Carlson said.

He said the Liberal party ignored the “diverse” region while the Labor party hadn’t made any promises because they know hte votes won’t change enough to matter.

“The Liberal member is safe, they don’t have to campaign,” Mr Carlson said.

He added: “With Jordan Crugnale now sitting at the state level I think this means people are changing their votes.”

Heather Liney said she did not want to see the Liberal party re-elected in her area and would be voting for the Greens.

The Rhyll Mechanics Institute polling booth on Phillip Island. Picture: Alice Barker

She said there isn’t time “to fiddle about” if we want to protect the island’s natural assets.

After having a “taste of living off-grid” during the many blackouts throughout the storms last year, now is the time to take action.

“We want resilience in our towns, renewable energy, secure food sources and to look after our most vulnerable,” Ms Liney said.

Graham Jolly said until the Liberal government become more active in the area, he would be sitting on the fence.

“Russel Broadbent has not committed to provide funding for the aquatic complex on Phillip Island,” Mr Jolly said.

“Until he comes out and commits, then my vote is sitting on top of the fence.”

Mr Jolly said the federal minister had funded the “growth corridor up north” but neglects “Inverloch as well as Phillip Island”.

“He will be challenged in the coming election for sure,” he said.

Monica said the island was “misunderstood” and should be considered separate from the rest of the electorate.

“Also what the island inlet needs, in animals and nature and just to protect it a little more,” she said.

“It’s not only tourist destination but a place where a lot of people live.”

Naomi Anderson doesn’t support the local government and said the Liberal voters profit from the “business ideals”.

“They're the ones pushing for more housing growth, filling in wetlands, putting in parking metres.”

For her, protecting the environment is a priority.

Mykey O’Halloran said he didn’t know too much about politics but also supports preserving the natural landscape.

Originally published as Phillip Island: What the coastal town is thinking ahead of the 2022 Federal Election