MONTHS of pledging and promising will come to an end on Saturday when the people of Ripon cast their vote in the 2014 State Election.
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The electorate has been one of the most hotly contested in the state with both the Coalition and Labor committing to millions of dollars worth of initiatives.
Saturday's poll is make or break for The Nationals' candidate Scott Turner and the Liberal Party's candidate Louise Staley.
Both have been prolific campaigners since they announced their candidacy earlier this year. The duo have battled to wrestle hearts and minds away from Labor after 15 years.
At present, Ripon is held by retiring Labor MP Joe Helper. Mr Helper became the electorate's representative in 1999.
Redistribution changes to Ripon's electoral boundaries wiped out Labor's margin of 2.7 percent and gave it a notional Liberal majority of 1.6 percent.
Labor Party candidate Daniel McGlone has sought to retain the seat for Labor with victory at this year's election.
"I've listened to a range of community groups, individuals and hopefully developed some trust with them," he said.
Mr McGlone said with Labor likely to sweep to power at Spring street, voters need to consider who would be best placed to deliver their interests.
"I think this a fairly pragmatic seat, people will think very carefully about who is best placed to represent them in a potential Labor government and I am the one that will be at the strategic advantage," he said.
"After four years the Coalition has done precious little, they have made all these fire sale promises now but when it comes to actually following through with promises their track record is questionable.
"Labor has provided long term plans that will invest in our future."
Labor's key promises include a package to create 440 jobs in Stawell, $3.7 million to transform the Ararat Town Hall, $500,000 to upgrade St Patrick's Primary School in Stawell, $350,000 to redevelop the Ararat Outdoor Olympic Swimming Pool and $95,000 for a feasibility study to determine whether Ararat could be the site for a major freight and logistics hub.
Labor has also vowed to continue funding Local Learning Employment Networks (LLENs) including Central Grampians Local Learning Employment Network (CGLLEN) for a further four years.
Ms Staley said she has listened intently to the needs of people from across the electorate and responded with measured and meaningful commitments.
"I have worked as hard as I can, I have covered tens of thousands of kilometres and I am actually at the point now where I am meeting people for a third or fourth time," she said.
"So I hope people at the very least recognise that I would work very hard for them."
Ms Staley said a $3.7 million pledge for a new integrated community health centre at Ararat, a further $2.5 million for the Ararat Active program and $750,000 to re-open the Ararat Outdoor Olympic Swimming Pool and enhance the greater sporting precinct were all examples of how the Coalition had listened to the community.
"We are also the only party to commit to an additional daily rail service to Ararat and continue to work towards the duplication of the Western Highway through to Stawell," she said.
The Coalition has also committed to funding CGLLEN for a further one year, maintain funding provided through its Country Roads and Bridges Program, $300,000 for the first two stages of redeveloping Gordon Street Oval in Ararat, $500,000 to upgrade facilities at St Patrick's Primary School in Stawell and $500,000 in research and development funding to help find innovative solutions to tyre stockpiling in Stawell.
"We have listened to the communities' priorities and through a responsible, fully costed framework this is our offer."
Ms Staley said she expects the result of the ballot to be close and looks forward to the outcome.
"People have a clear choice tomorrow, The Napthine Government has proven sound economic management, high levels of integrity and a clear plan for Victoria. Labor is a risk."
Mr Turner said standing for politics to represent his community has been a learning curve, one that he continues to learn from every day.
"It has been a good challenge and a great experience, I've met some great people along the way, hopefully come tomorrow people decide I'm the right person," he said.
Born and bred in Ararat Mr Turner said he is best placed to represent the needs of the electorate.
Mr Turner said he will continue to be a strong and passionate voice for communities including Stawell and Ararat and fight hard for what matters to them.
"I will continue to focus on the things that are important to our communities like the roads and the jobs and increasing and improving health and rail services."
The Greens candidate Rod May said he represents the party that is best placed to look at and deal with change.
"One has to reflect on the need to adapt to a changing world, climate and economy," he said.
"If you stand still your going to get swept aside. And like it not, we have to change.
"I really do think what The Greens have been talking about - renewable energy, climate change, sustainable agriculture and improved public transport, these issues have all resonated with the electorate."
Mr May has slammed the major parties for how (in his view) they escaped any scrutiny about the future of renewable energy.
"I must salute them for being able to so completely ignore renewable energy. They've done a magnificent job to overlook it."
The four aforementioned candidates are not alone in their endeavour to represent the electorate of Ripon.
They will be joined on the lower house ballot paper by Trevor Domaschenz (Australian Country Alliance), Peter Mulcahy (Rise Up Australia Party), Mitchell Lee (Democratic Labour Party), Kevin Loiterton (Australian Christians) and Danielle Fowler (Family First).