Environment and living costs key

Climate change and cost of living have emerged as primary issues facing Wannon electorate candidates preparing for the approaching Federal Election.

The issue attracted considerable debate and questions from an audience attending a candidates forum at Ararat RSL last week.

The forum featured addresses from Member for Wannon and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan, Labor candidate Gilbert Wilson, independent candidate Alex Dyson, Greens candidate Hilary Mcallister, Liberal Democrat Amanda Mead and United Australia Party candidate Craige Kensen.

The forum attracted a crowd of more than 150 people and drew a series of questions from across the floor as well as from forum moderator and ABC presenter Steve Martin.

Mr Tehan holds the seat for the Liberal Party, first elected to Wannon in 2010.