A FORMER state MP will contest Liberal Party preselection for South West Coast.
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Woodend’s Donna Petrovich has announced she will contest the preselection ballot on September 20, joining Warrnambool mayor Michael Neoh as one of two declared contenders.
The 51-year-old served as Macedon Ranges Shire mayor before her election to the upper house at the 2006 state election.
Mrs Petrovich resigned from the upper house and contested the highly-marginal McEwan electorate for the Liberal Party at the 2013 election but lost narrowly to Labor MP Rob Mitchell.
Former premier Denis Napthine said it was not appropriate for Mrs Petrovich to contest the South West Coast electorate given she wasn’t from the region.
“I know Donna, but Donna has not much in common with the local area,” Dr Napthine told ABC radio. “She doesn't live in the local area, and I think it would be inappropriate for somebody who doesn't understand or live in the local area to receive that pre-selection.”