MEMBER for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has reiterated his opposition to fracking ahead of the March 17 poll, telling supporters he will never support a party that backs the process.
More than 150 people descended on the South Australian Hotel last week for the official launch of Mr Bell’s campaign.
Fighting a string of serious fraud charges in court from before his time in parliament, he has vowed to stand again for election and continue to serve the community.
Mr Bell told the crowd he remained committed to a 10-year moratorium on fracking, citing his representation at the Parliamentary Inquiry into Unconventional (fracking) Gas Mining and two fact finding trips to America.
“I’m very passionate about a few things and not fracking in our area is the number one thing for me,” he said.
“I’ll never support a party that will allow fracking in our region.
“It’s a policy I fought for two years within the Liberal Party to get up as policy.
“They have adopted that and we are in a really good position with that party.
“If any other party wants to form government and they need my vote, that is my non-negotiable.”
The independent MP highlighted his electorate priorities, including a $10m sporting infrastructure fund for the electorate, Mount Gambier airport upgrades and the development of a cycling trail through Mount Gambier.
“The Rail Trail through Mount Gambier has been enthusiastically embraced with many people using it as a safe place to walk or cycle from White to Pick avenue,” he said.
“I will be encouraging for the Rail Trail to be extended even further and to link with our regional towns in the Limestone Coast.
“Cycle tourism is a booming industry and we need to capitalise on this growing industry.”
Mr Bell said he was humbled by support shown to him to continue to run as the member for Mount Gambier.
“The last four years I have worked diligently to deliver for the Mount Gambier electorate and together with the community we have had some significant achievements,” he said.
“Funding was cut to palliative care services in the Limestone Coast region and together the community rallied and we fought to have this all important service reinstated.
“Traffic lights have now been installed at the notorious Penola/Wireless Road intersection, making this a safer intersection to now traverse.
“I also called for an independent inquiry into the emergency department at the Mount Gambier Hospital due to growing concerns in the community.
“With four years parliamentary experience, I have proven that I can work with all parties to achieve positive outcomes for our electorate.”
Mr Bell is facing 26 charges stepping from an Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry.
He quit the Liberals when the charges became public mid-last year.
Mr Bell has maintained his innocence, but no verdict is expected before the election.
