Four in race to stand for Libs

A TOP accountant and the daughter of a former mayor have thrown their hats into the ring for Liberal Party preselection in the Geelong electorate.

Accountant Wendy Moloney and human resources professional Freya Fidge have nominated for the party ballot, the Geelong Advertiser understands.

The victorious contender would then take on Labor MP Christine Couzens at the November state election.

Ms Fidge is the daughter of former Geelong mayor Jim Fidge and granddaughter of legendary city leader Sir Roy Fidge. She works as the human resources regional manager for New Zealand dairy company Fonterra.

Ms Moloney heads Geelong-based firm WM Advisory and previously worked with accountancy firm Moore Stephens. She was appointed by Opposition Leader Matthew Guy to be part of the state Coalition’s population taskforce in January 2017 alongside former Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons and Chamber of Commerce boss Bernadette Uzelac.

It is believed that contenders for Liberal preselection in Geelong have not been finalised yet. The Liberal Party state headquarters failed to re- spond to inquiries from the Geelong Advertiser.

Meanwhile, former Glen Eira mayor Helen Whiteside and Surf Coast councillor Brian McKiterick are the only contenders for Liberal Party preselection in the Bellarine electorate.

The electorate, held by Police Minister Lisa Neville for the Labor Party, is more marginal than neighbouring Geelong. Former Liberal Party candidate Kurt Reiter came close to winning the seat in 2010 but the colourful businessman has since left the party.

Both the Bellarine and Geelong preselection ballots are set to be held in April.

Meanwhile, Australian Conservatives state leader Rachel Carling-Jenkins said the Cory Bernardi-led party was looking to make inroads in the Geelong region. “Australian Conservatives will provide a better way for the Western Region of Victoria at the November election,” Dr CarlingJenkins said.