There is an air of optimism among Liberals in the Mining and Pastoral Region, borne out of a belief in the high-quality candidates that have been selected for our front-line lower house seats.

Taking it from the top we have a high-profile candidate running for the Kimberley with Geoff Haerewa, Shire President from Derby West Kimberley taking up the challenge.   The seat is challenging, but we have a retiring Labor sitting member and can all look to the Northern Territory election to see how the bush has swung away from Labor.  Some big issues in this region include alcohol management, poor quality infrastructure and economic development including our onshore oil and gas which is being strongly supported by traditional owners.  

In the Pilbara we have the colourful and passionate local advocate ex-Mayor Camilo Blanco.  He led reforms in the Town of Port Hedland which transformed that local government’s balance sheet and that region is wanting better representation with the poor performance of the Labor member Kevin Michelle.  The big issues include the need for more Police resources, youth programs, retention of young people into the local workforce, infrastructure and a fair deal for locals.

Alys McKeough is also a fantastic candidate up against the National’s FIFO member and Cottesloe resident for North West Central Vince Catani. Like Milo and Geoff, Alys is a true local, a farmer, local councillor and a nurse.  She also sits as a board member on the Gascoyne Regional Development Commission and has a tremendous understanding of what it means to live and work in the remote North West.  People know Alys well and it’s quite an experience sitting with Alys on a street café in Carnarvon as she is interrupted by locals constantly as they call out hello and stopping for a chat.

Of course, there is also Kyran O Donnell our sitting member and local stalwart in Kalgoorlie.  I spent a day with Kyran and Liza Harvey recently and was impressed with the goodwill that Kryan has developed with his community.  Kyran brings the respect and affection many locals have for him to the next election with broad support from community groups and business.   

Over the next few months, the team in Mining and Pastoral are planning to build on the Liberal brand with the support of our State team and Federal member Melissa Price MP, patron Senator for Durack, Senator Dean Smith and the support of many more in the Federal team.  After three and a half years of neglect by Labor, only the Liberal Party will deliver a strong voice for the Mining and Pastoral Region.  The Upper House team, including my No 2 running mate Michael Huston are working hard in the background supporting our lower house candidates on the ground.  If you wish to support our Liberal team in Mining and Pastoral, call me on 0439 936 326 and be sure to follow me on Facebook at @neilthomsonliberal.