“I said right from the start I would give 110 per cent, and that’s exactly what I’m doing,” Mr Bacon said.

“We’ve had a show pony for the past eight years and we need a work horse.”

The first issue on his agenda is get a large-scale drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in the electorate.

Mr Bacon has joined forces with local health advocates to launch a petition, calling on the state government to fund the rehab unit.

“That’s been welcomed with open arms everywhere,” Mr Bacon said.

“We’ve had nothing put positive feedback. Everyone recognises it’s a growing problem that’s only going to get worse unless we do something about it.”

Another issue Mr Bacon has put at the front and centre of his election platform is upgrading the notoriously deadly Werris Creek Road.

READ MORE

“Again, I’m yet to find one person that disagrees with that,” Mr Bacon said.

“We’ve already got 2000 signatures and that’s going to grow now that I’m in full-time campaign mode.

“We’re aiming to get to 10,000 signatures, which will force the issue to be discussed in parliament.”

Mr Bacon said Walcha was in desperate need of a new water supply.

“They’re in some bloody trouble up there,” Mr Bacon said.

“The government has known about this for 20 years. If they were serious about this, they would be up there now, drawing plans.

“I don’t know why it takes a drought event to bring issues like this to the surface.

“Where is the vision? All they worry about is the next four years.”

The SFF candidate also wants to see the electorate get at least 25 new police officers and a legislated drought-relief response.

“That needs to include subsidies so we never have a repeat of the delayed and dysfunctional National-Liberal government response that saw many farming families lose everything,” he said.

Have your say. Click this link to send a letter to the editor

Support the local news that keeps you informed – subscribe today