Gippsland East was the epicentre of the shift. Between 1992 and 1999, the swing against the Kennett Government in the east of the state was a phenomenal 31per cent. Independent Craig Ingram, a young farmer and abalone diver full of energy, harnessed all the region's anger at state and federal government neglect to unseat local National Party MP David Treasure from what had been the Government's safest seat. ON THE waterfront at Paynesville, you would hardly guess you were in the centre of the most depressed region of Victoria. The Gippsland Lakes are sparkling in the sun.
Holidaymakers sip their capuccinos and gaze out on the yachts and the grey-green bush.
At Captains Cove, new holiday units in tasteful sea blue and white pastel colors tempt the buyers. It is here. Drive into its hinterland, though, and the color changes. East Gippsland is in its third year of drought. The farmers are struggling, and so is everyone else who relies on their spending.