WA election 2025: Liberal Party of WA’s candidate for Roe Marie O’Dea on housing, tourism and growth

Why are you the right person for this job?

I have life and work experience in agriculture, health and small business.

I have served my community as a shire councillor and an active volunteer in arts and tourism organisations.

Now, I’m ready to stand up and represent the area which has given so much to me.

What is the most pressing issue facing people in Roe right now?

What I’m hearing from locals is that housing is top of mind and it’s clear that Labor has failed to make any impact in this space.

Businesses need housing to employ new people and communities need it to keep our regional towns thriving.

Only a WA Liberal government will deliver more housing for our region.

We will commit $100 million to create the Regional Housing Infrastructure Program and will raise the stamp duty exemption from $450,000 to $550,000 to make it easier for young Australians to own a home.

How much money has your party committed to spend in Roe if elected? What are the three biggest projects?

There are 20 shires in Roe and more than 40 towns and communities deserving of investment in local education, health and sporting facilities.

In particular, a Mettam Liberal government will invest $400m into the Regional Health Development Initiative.

This initiative will invest in improved medical equipment, services, technology and local health infrastructure in our regions, reducing health disparities with the city.

The WA Liberals will also commit $100m to create the Regional Housing Infrastructure Program and we’ll invest $100m as part of a proposed $552m package developed by the RAC and WALGA to address dangerous and deteriorating regional roads.

What is your 10-year vision for the future of Roe?

A vibrant and diverse economy not constrained by government bans on activity such as fishing and live sheep exports.

When driving throughout Roe I want to see Merino sheep, cattle and feed mills representing a diversity in agriculture.

Grain growers will continue to surprise CBH and themselves with production records broken as they manage the curve balls that every season serves up.

In Esperance, the port facilities will continue to have investment so that they stand ready for the next step change in agriculture and mining.

What do you love about living here?

The great communities and changing landscape.

I have fantastic views of the Stirling Ranges to surprise and amaze me every day.

From Dryandra, through the Lakes and to the magnificent south coast, what is there not to love about Roe?