Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, has welcomed the recent announcement of a May 18 Federal election and says he’s taking nothing for granted.

Mr Chester, who has represented Gippsland in Federal Parliament since 2008, said he would be running a positive campaign focused on his record of delivering infrastructure and service improvements across the region.

“It is a great honour and an enormous privilege to represent the community I love in Federal Parliament and I’m proud of the things we have been able to achieve together,” Mr Chester said.

“Over the past six years in government I have delivered record road, rail and telecommunications infrastructure improvements across Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley, but there’s always more to be done.

“I want to keep working with other levels of government and communities across our region to see more investment in infrastructure, which helps to create jobs and improve the living standards of local people.

“I love Gippsland and I have the experience to make it an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Mr Chester said the election campaign in Gippsland should focus on the candidates’ plans for the future of the region.

“Ever since I was elected I have been committed to putting locals first and delivering a fair share of government funding to our region,” Mr Chester said.

Mr Chester said the Federal Government deserved to be reelected on May 18 because of its strong economic management and the ability to deliver a balanced budget.

“This year the budget returned to surplus, which has taken a great deal of work by our Federal Government,” Mr Chester said.

“We have been able to deliver income tax cuts which is putting more money back into the pockets of Gippslanders while still providing the infrastructure and services we need.”

Some of the local projects Mr Chester has delivered include $373,000 to upgrade the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve, $750,000 to build an iconic lookout at Jemmy’s Point and a further $5 million to improve road safety along The Esplanade as part of a $25 million package of works along the Princes Highway east of Sale.

Deb Foskey is the Greens candidate for the Federal seat of Gippsland. Her campaign will focus on climate change and the potential for rewarding jobs in a well-managed environment. Dr Antoinette Holm has thrown her hat in the ring for Labor.