Mr Whalley, the publican at the Merino Hotel, south of Casterton, said most of the five current Upper House MPs representing Western Victoria were based either at Ballarat or Geelong and he would offer a voice for rural people.

“Why is it the Nationals cannot get a representative out of the five positions?

“It’s because the population base is in Ballarat and Geelong,” Mr Whalley said.

Mr Whalley, who has lived in the Glenelg Shire for the past 12 years, said he would offer his preferences to other independents.

Mr Whalley said he had been a member of the ALP and the Nationals during his life but the major parties were in disarray.

James Purcell is currently the seat’s only Independent but has yet to announce whether he will stand in the Upper or Lower house for the November 24 state election.

Mr Whalley said getting more mental health services for rural areas, better public transport and and better roads were among the issues he would campaign on.

More direct public transport from Casterton to Portland rather than currently having to go via Mount Gambier was among his goals. Upgrading rural roads to handle B-double trucks was another.

Mr Whalley, 62, has been a town planner for more than 40 years and has worked for local government including Geelong.

He said that background had given him lots of experience in dealing with the demands of many stakeholders that was required in politics.

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