Jess Wilson Pledges $175 Million for Benambra Region

Victorian opposition leader Jess Wilson visited Wodonga to campaign for the Liberal party in the seat of Benambra, pledging more than $175 million in election commitments for the region. The funding package includes $50.1 million specifically for road duplication to address local infrastructure concerns.

The seat of Benambra has become a key battleground following the retirement of MP Bill Tilley and the decision of independent Jacqui Hawkins not to contest the election. Wilson criticized the Labor government under Premier Ben Carroll for neglecting regional Victoria, stating that the government has forgotten about the community after holding power for 21 of the last 25 years.

Wilson and Liberal candidate Steve Martin faced a crowd of voters expressing frustration over government debt, crime, and poor road conditions. While the Liberal party is pushing for a change in government, they face competition from community independent candidate Dr. Lachie McKeeman and One Nation candidate Kellie Sheppard. Some voters indicated a preference for anti-establishment options despite the Liberal party's financial pledges.