WE ARE tiring of all the political bombardment in our lives leading up to the federal election. 

We are now coming to the crossroads and election day is imminent.

I urge you to think very seriously how you cast your vote.

It is pleasing to see many high-quality candidates standing for this electorate.

The seat of New England was considered a safe seat for the Nationals until Mr Windsor recently contested the seat.

This has resulted in an explosion and a frenzy of vote inducements announced from the Coalition government. 

A lot of these inducements will also require state and council funding – so, while they appear attractive inducements, they will often amount to nothing on the ground in the electorate.

When making your decision, look at the candidates’ performance to their constituents. Look at their track record and achievements and make sure that the candidate will have the time to spend in his electorate and lobbying for their constituents. 

Rural communities want to, and should, have more say and input in how they are governed, instead of being an afterthought of the city.

We are continually taken for granted and constantly the last to be informed.

There are some very pressing issues for the people of the New England electorate that we should all be concentrating on – of utmost importance, those affecting industry, education and health. 

To be competitive in world markets in industry and for the future of education for rural Australia, we need the NBN giving us fibre to the home, as many businesses now, and in the future, are being conducted in the comfort of the home.

The service presently offered to regional areas is expensive and running on a poorly performing old and antiquated network, where country people are paying twice the price of our city cousins.

We need assurance for food and water security for our region. 

Agriculture being the backbone and contributor to our rural communities, mining should never take precedence where it affects our water security, which impacts on agriculture and future generations.

Education must also take priority for our youth and future generations to a high standard, to compete on the world stage as technologies move forward at a rapid rate.

Consideration for the environment and climate change should take precedence and also be in our thoughts for our children and future generations.

Think carefully when you cast your vote without tunnel vision, because there is a lot at stake here.

It is important you make the right choice with the right candidate for the way your regional and rural communities interact with government and move forward.