Last month, member for New England Barnaby Joyce announced the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) would be relocated to either Armidale or Toowoomba.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said it was now up to Armidale to convince the government it was the best location.

He will be joined in Canberra by Armidale Dumaresq mayor Laurie Bishop, University of New England vice-chancellor Annabelle Duncan, and senior staff from both the council and UNE in a bid to secure the 195 public service positions.

“On Tuesday we will be meeting with APVMA management and staff in Canberra to discuss with them the great opportunities that are available here,” Mr Marshall said.

“The relocation of 195 full time jobs would have a massive and  positive effect on the economic and social landscape of Armidale, the likes of which hasn’t been experienced for a long time.

“We will leave no stone unturned to make sure we trump Toowoomba.”

There will even be an invitation to APVMA management and their staff to spend a weekend in Armidale.

Mr Marshall said they would be given a taste of life in the New England and introduced to the city’s education facilities, recreational activities and real estate opportunities.

Armidale Dumaresq Council project manager Tony Broomfield said Armidale was fast becoming a hub for rural innovation nationally, with world-recognised tertiary rural education, rural-co-operatives, the CSIRO and UNE’s Smart Farm.

“Relocating government agencies, like the APVMA, that play a significant role in rural industry just makes good sense,” he said.

“However it’s the lifestyle benefits, including quality education, affordable housing and a beautiful, well-resourced, modern regional city that will no doubt ease some of the concerns of the staff about the proposed relocation.”

A decision is expected later in the year.