A WILLIAMSTOWN resident has thrown down the gauntlet to voters in the coming federal and state elections.

John Marks, who has been living in Williamstown for more than 60y ears, believes the only way to highlight what he claims is "neglect" of voters in the safe seats is to "change" their vote.

"I've been a Labor voter most of my life, but I will vote Liberal at the next election because there's no reward for loyalty.

"I don't believe we get the attention or the dollars spent that the swinging seats do.

"I'm urging Labor and Liberal voters in blue-ribbon seats to change their vote," he said.

State Williamstown MP Wade Noonan denied the claim that the Labor Party was taking the west for granted.

"People might think this is a safe Labor seat, but that's not how I view it," Mr Noonan said.

"In fact, I strongly reject the view that Labor takes my part of the west for granted.

"On the contrary, being a Labor member in a state Labor government creates immeasurable opportunities to stand up for our local communities and deliver projects and services for residents."

While describing Mr Noonan as "a very good local member here in Williamstown", Mr Marks questioned how genuine that representation was.

"We do have great people representing us in the west at a local and federal level, but do we get genuine representation?

I think he's [Mr Noonan] a fantastic candidate, but how he's allowed to perform after his preselection in a safe seat is decided [by] the cabinet and the caucus. Local members should be able to vote to suit their local constituents."

Mr Marks cited the proposed high-rise development in Nelson Place, Williamstown, as an example of the ALP ignoring the west.

"We don't want high-rise density developments, but the land is available. The money interest is there and people who represent us don't listen."

But Mr Noonan begged to differ.

"We've invested heavily in education; social housing in Mason Street, Newport; the refurbishment of Floyd Lodge in Williamstown; establishment of the Truck Action Group in Yarraville, [and] the new renal unit at the Williamstown Hospital," he said. "I've worked extremely hard to make a difference and I'm satisfied with the results that have been achieved across my electorate during my short time in office.

"I'm particularly proud of what has been achieved and I won't waste a day in this job.

"My approach is to make every post a winner and continue to be a strong voice for our community."