Greens member Michael Baldock confirmed as candidate for Bunbury

Mr Baldock, a long time and passionate supporter of the Greens, has previously run on the Greens federal senate ticket and received 18 per cent of the primary vote when he ran in the 2014 Vasse by-election.

Speaking to the Mail on Friday, Mr Baldock said Bunbury is a significant seat with many issues set to play out relevant to the wider region. 

“The Greens are very passionate about job security especially with the mining boom winding down,” he said. “We also have a strong focus on energy as the South West has always been a dominate supplier of energy to Perth and the local region.

“Australia is on the verge of a supply transition with a dedicated push away from coal.”

Mr Baldock said Bunbury and the South West must secure the lions share of renewable energy jobs and opportunities in WA. 

“We are moving to a renewable future and the South West will suffer if it doesn’t lead the change, securing a future for hundreds of workers who have prominent roles in the energy production sector,” he said.  

“Blueprints from the South West Development Commission have no renewable energy plans between now and 2050 but that is likely to be far too late.

“South Australia are already aiming to have 50 per cent of their energy coming from renewable sources by 2025 while Victoria hope to have 40 per cent. Queensland have committed to 50 per cent by 2030.”

Mr Baldock said it will be interesting to see how the dynamics of the seat change with the retirement of current MLA John Castrilli.

“Mr Castrilli has been a hard working and dedicated politician who has built up strong popularity but whenever a longtime member leaves the people have a chance to look closer at the field,” he said. 

“The Greens have a number of policies and ideas for Bunbury that we will be discussing with the public in the coming months that focus both on our traditional environmental concerns but also look at city related issues, with the South West becoming increasingly urban.

“Being a candidate is a big commitment and we intend to get our message out strongly.”