Current Warrnambool city councillor Kylie Gaston said preferences would be crucial in the upcoming Victorian election late next month.

Fellow councillor Mike Neoh has decided to stand as an independent and Tom Campbell will represent The Greens.

Current Western Victorian Upper House member James Purcell is expected to make an announcement about his political future later this week.

Moyne shire councillor Mick Wolfe confirmed on Monday he would not be standing for the seat and fellow Moyne shire councillor Jim Doukas is expected to make a decision on whether he will stand mid-month.

Mrs Gaston said November 9 was the nomination deadline.

"I don't know whats going to happen with preferences. It's early days, we don't even know who's running," she said.

"After we who who the candidates are standing we'll start talking about preferences. 

"I'm really pleased the race is getting increasingly competitive."

Mrs Gaston said one-third of food and fibre products in the state came from the south-west.

"We are a powerhouse in terms of production," she said.

"We do need infrastructure spending and I think other places and regions take us for granted.

"We need to grow our economy, our jobs, our education opportunities and health infrastructure."

Mrs Gaston said the electorate was becoming increasingly aware that that gaps in infrastructure were restricting growth.

"It looks like there will be a wide field of candidates and that offers up choices, which is terrific," she said.

"I'm interested in getting Labor elected on the back of the Andrews Government performance. It's exciting and I'm looking forward to a good race.”