High Country Times
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
mansfieldcourier.com.au
mansfieldcourier.com.au
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Haines wins third term
The orange glow of Indi endures as incumbent Independent claims victory
By SHAUN McMAHON and STEVE KELLY
DOGGED DEBATE WILD dog carcasses hang from a Merrijig fenceline - an image reflecting the ongoing conversation around predator control and land management. Prominent Mansfield sheep farmer Steve Rabie has raised concerns about the state’s current approach to wild dogs, calling for a more practical and consistent strategy. Full story pages 4–5. PHOTO: Edwin Harris/Facebook
some variation between booths. At the largest polling centre, the Mansfield PPVC (CWA Hall), Haines led with 43.5 pc of first INDEPENDENT MP Helen preferences, a slight increase from Haines secured a decisive victory in the seat of Indi at Saturday’s fed- the previous election. Liberal candidate James Trenery eral election, winning a third term followed with 35 pc, also up maron the back of strong grassroots ginally. support and a celebratory night In Tolmie, Haines performed with her volunteer team, affectionstrongly with 48.2 pc, a swing of ately known as the “Cockateers.” plus 6.9 points, while Trenery’s Dr Haines has 58.68 per cent of the two-candidate-preferred (TCP) support dropped to 24.6 pc, down more than 11 points. vote, with nearest rival Liberal One Nation’s Athol Thomas atJames Trenery on 41.32pc (TCP). The first preference vote was up tracted 16.4 pc in Tolmie, indicaton the 2022 election for Dr Haines ing a right-leaning shift in the area. with 43.14pc (37,514), a swing of Jamieson proved more competi2.46pc, while Mr Trenery accumutive, with Trenery leading on 41.4 lated 30.89pc (26,858 votes). pc, ahead of Haines on 31.3 pc, a Next was Labor - Mitch Bridges fall of 7.7 points. with 7.96pc, One Nation - Athol This booth also recorded small Thomas (6.95pc), The Greens - Alysia Regan (3.3pc), Legalise Cannabis gains for One Nation and the Libertarians. - Ben Howman (2.95pc), FamBonnie Doon swung back toily First - Michael White (1.79pc), ward Haines, who led with 37.4 pc Libertarian - Tim Quilty (1.61pc), and Independent - Mark McFarlane after a 14.9-point increase, while Trenery fell to 33.7 pc, down 12.6 (1.42pc). points. It was a comprehensive win The regular Mansfield booth at across many polling places for Dr the Sporting Complex mirrored Haines on election day, with the totals indicating many voters were the overall electorate, with Haines on 42.3 pc and Trenery on 27.4 pc. happy with what the IndependThe Greens and Legalise Canent has delivered over the last two nabis Party made small gains terms - six years. across most locations, while Labor Across Mansfield Shire, votconsistently polled between 6 and ing trends in the 2025 federal 9 pc. election reflected continued ■ Continued page 2 support for Dr Haines, with