Victorian election 2022: Louise Staley and Martha Haylett in Ripon race

Only fifteen votes divided Labor and the Coalition in Ripon back in 2018. And the path to power runs through farmland like Kain Richardson’s property.

Both figuratively and literally, the perilous path to power in Victoria runs through Ripon.

Figuratively — because Dan Andrews and Matthew Guy are frequent visitors to the electorate covering the Ararat, Maryborough and St Arnaud regions.

Literally — because the Western Victorian Transmission Network Project has created a backlash in the Central Highlands from local landholders.

Only 15 votes separated Labor and the Coalition at the last state election.

It puts Ripon voters like Kain Richardson in a powerful position.

The Newlyn potato farmer is one of the leading voices calling for the controversial transmission line to be channelled underground — an expensive option not currently countenanced by proponents AusNet.

Mr Richardson said transmission line opponents wanted both sides to be clear about their stance on the project ahead of the November 26 poll.

“We’ve now got some clarity from the Liberals on where they stand with (the transmission project), although there’s some fine-tuning that’s needed,” he said.

“From Labor, it’s been as clear as mud.”

Potato farmer Kain Richardson. Picture: Zoe Phillips

At the last state election, the race was too close to call and it showed.

Mr Andrews and Mr Guy visited every week of the campaign, trekking back and forward along the Western Freeway with such regularity that locals wondered if the party buses would crash into one another.

Liberal MP Louise Staley had a nervous wait in the days after the poll, pipping Labor rival Sarah De Santis at the post by that famous 15 vote margin.

“Before my election in 2014, I farmed with my partner Stephen at Willaura,” the shadow treasurer said.

“Agriculture remains a key employer and driver of economic activity in our region, and we need to complete the Murray Basin Rail Project to enhance that sector’s productivity.

“I was also a director of East Grampians Health Service, so I understand the vital role our health services play and the dedication of the staff who work in our stretched health services.”

A redistribution of the seat means Martha Haylett is tipped by bookmakers to win Ripon later this month.

The boundary changes mean Ripon is now notionally 2.7 per cent Labor’s way and the party has high hopes for Ms Haylett, whose campaign was launched in Maryborough earlier this year by former premier Steve Bracks.

“I’ve spent my working life fighting for more affordable housing across Victoria, as well as working on employment support and family violence prevention programs,” Ms Haylett said.

“I want to bring that same energy and experience to representing Ripon in Parliament.”

A former adviser to Mr Andrews, Ms Haylett said health care was one of the key issues raised by Ripon voters.

“We have upgraded the Ararat Hospital and Beaufort Hospital, and are upgrading the Ballarat Base and Maryborough Hospitals too,” she said.

“We are upgrading ambulance stations, delivering more paramedics, and will also make it free to study nursing and midwifery from 2023.”