By Kyra Gillespie
Yarragon local Carlo Ierfone has put down the work tools and is trying his hand at politics.
After running Warragul Shoe Repairs for 19 years, Mr Ierfone has given the profession the boot, taking a tilt at state parliament as the independent candidate for the Narracan electorate.
“Over the past three years or more, community members across this region have been encouraging me to contest as an independent candidate for Narracan,” Mr Ierfone said.
“I am a strong believer in bringing jobs that use our strengths that we know, mainly power generation. We know about manufacturing and logistics so we should be concentrating our efforts to bring these together, setting up economically viable renewable energies – such as a solar panel manufacturing plant.”
He has been vocal about reopening the Hazelwood power station for ten years to revive employment numbers in the region while a “solar factory” is built.
He also believes Narracan can lead the way in waste management.
“We should become a centre for an efficient waste management recycling plant in Gippsland to service the ever growing needs of all Victorians, creating much needed employment opportunities for the present and future generations. We can get the best ideas from other countries and make it better here.”
Mr Ierfone has also backed local lobby groups in their push to secure funding for the West Gippsland Hospital.
“We need a modern, state of the art regional hospital of the twenty-first century to service for the needs of our growing population, especially the elder citizens who have and continue to contribute so generously for the betterment of Gippsland.
“If elected, I will also push for the reintroduction of motor vehicle registration stickers as a permanent reminder for when registrations are due for payment.
“All this will only work if we stand together and make changes for the next generation.”
Mr Ierfone claims the electorate, which has been held by Liberal MP Gary Blackwood since 2006, has been overlooked by the major parties.
Narracan takes in towns as close as Nar Nar Goon, Maryknoll, Garfield and Tynong and as far as Moe, Trafalgar and Rawson.
“Narracan is not really a marginal seat and so both major parties have been able to ignore us,” he said.“I am contesting this election to help make sure they pay attention to the Gippsland region and what we need. This is one of the fastest growing areas of the state but our infrastructure and services are not keeping up with the population demands. Let’s fix it before we cannot cope.
“I will be truly independent and that’s why I have not given any preference votes to the other parties.”
