The revelation from a senior Labor source that his government ignores safe Liberal seats and his belief the Liberals take their heartland for granted when in office should serve as a warning to voters when they go to the polls on November 24.

“The conservative sitting members don’t get access to Labor government funding and when conservative governments get elected they do nothing,” he said.

Former premier Denis Napthine, who was a popular local member, will argue about his legacy with the region’s cancer centre his biggest and most signficant contribution.

But compare the south-west with regional cities with marginal seats like Bendigo and Ballarat and we have been left behind. Their roads, hospitals, schools and economies are streets ahead.

We have a long list of priorities – Princes Highway west of Colac improvements, the second stage of Warrnambool Base Hospital’s upgrade, key infrastructure as part of the Great Ocean Road masterplan, which could transform our tourism industry, an alcohol and drug residential rehab centre.

When we go to the polls next month, who is most likely going to be able to deliver these? The senior Labor source stunningly said it wouldn’t be Labor or the Liberals but an independent.

We have some good examples of independents achieving results. Russell Savage swept to power in 1996 in Mildura on the back of a campaign that focused on the Kennett government’s neglect of regional areas and Suzanna Sheed in Shepparton, who was elected at the last state election. Her seat has received considerable attention as a result.

There is no shortage of evidence that marginal seats fare better when it comes to budgets. We have had safe seats in the south-west for years. It’s time to challenge traditional voting habits, our region needs marginal seats so we get the funding we need and deserve. Of course, it’s your choice, value your vote.