General News
22 April, 2026
Mayor wants One Nation candidature
GANNAWARRA mayor and former Nationals member Garner Smith has put his name in the ring to stand at November’s state election as the One Nation candidate.
GANNAWARRA mayor and former Nationals member Garner Smith has put his name in the ring to stand at November’s state election as the One Nation candidate.
Cr Smith confirmed to the Loddon Herald on Friday that he had submitted an expression of interest to the party surging in opinion polls across Australia.
He said there had been no indication when the party would select its candidate for the seat that has been comfortably held for the Nationals by Peter Walsh.
Gannawarra council has told the State Government it is opposed to the compulsory access and acquisition of private land for the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line.
Cr Smith as mayor has also told the Government that if the municipality must host an expanded electricity transmission network, the Gannawarra should benefit by using the transmission and distribution network free of charge.
Cr Smith said he had resigned his National Party membership but ruled out running as an independent if unsuccessful in gaining One Nation endorsement for Murray Plains.
One Nation did not respond to inquiries on when it would select candidates.
The party founded by Pauline Hanson has said it will field candidates in every seat at the election.
Read More: Loddon Shire