Torquay voter says exorbitantly high petrol prices could be changed with temporary fuel tax cut

Torquay voters have given an insight into how they intend to vote in Corangamite and the issues set to win them over.

Corangamite voters say action on climate, education costs, and wage growth are issues of concern in the lead up to the federal election expected by May.

Six of 10 voters the Addy spoke to in Torquay on Wednesday had not decided who they would vote for. Three said they would vote Liberal and one said they would vote Labor.

Corangamite’s candidates for the election are: Liberal Stephanie Asher, Labor’s Libby Coker, the Green’s Alex Marshall, Liberal Democrat Paul Barker, the Animal Justice Party’s Meg Watkins and the United Australia Party’s Daniel Abou-zeid.

Stephanie Asher and Libby Coker will face off at the next federal election in Corangamite.

Chemical engineer and previous Liberal voter, Daryl, who owns a house at Torquay, said it was time the government was “sincere and aggressive” about its climate targets.

The Morrison government says it’s on track to meet or beat a 26-28 per cent reduction of 2005 carbon emissions levels by 2030, and has committed $2bn to fund emissions reduction projects. Labor has pledged to cut 2005 levels by 43 per cent by 2030.

A national poll of 15,000 voters by YouGov used to estaimte attitudes in Corangamite, based on demographic data, found 42 per cent believed the Morrison Government’s 2030 emission reduction target was “too little too late”, in Corio it was 39 per cent.

Mum of seven, Fiona, said the cost of tertiary education needed to be addressed so students pursued study they were passionate in not guided into because of price.

Jill, who lives in Torquay and commutes to Melbourne, said the government should consider a temporary change to the fuel excise to bring down the price of petrol.

“The rising cost of petrol does eat into the weekly budget and means you have to stop spending in other areas or take public transport,” Jill said.

New Zealand has temporarily cut its fuel excise to 47 cents per litre. Australia’s fuel excise is at 44.2 cpl.

Ms Asher, out meeting voters in Torquay on Wednesday, said they were concerned with managing growth, transport and infrastructure solutions and increasing Australian manufacturing.

She said climate change was not the most important issue on the minds of people she spoke with.

“(If elected I will) continue to advocate for sustainable development, including fixed town boundaries and appropriate planning controls at state level,” Ms Asher said.

She said prioritising environmental protection and community development as part of managing growth, and advocating for better roads, rail and community facilities were also priorities if she was elected.

She said her track of delivering was based on listening to the community.

Ms Coker said voters wanted action on climate change, equality for women and the cost of living.

“Labor will invest in our manufacturing sector and get the cheapest energy to where it’s needed to make more things in Australia,” Ms Coker said.

“(Under Labor) childcare will be cheaper for 97 per cent of families with children who are now in child care. Improvements to the electricity grid will encourage renewable power, cutting power bills for families by $275 a year by 2025.

“Having lived in the Corangamite region for 35 years I care deeply about this community. I want people here to do well.”

Originally published as Torquay voter says exorbitantly high petrol prices could be changed with temporary fuel tax cut