With five weeks until the state election, the Essential poll found the Coalition's primary vote sitting at 39 per cent, while Labor's is at 36 per cent, which leaves the remaining 25 per cent for the minor parties and the independents.

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate for Tamworth, Jeff Bacon, said the people have realised the two-party system "doesn't really serve them very well".

"A lot of people I'm talking to seem to agree that if nothing changes, then nothing changes," Mr Bacon said.

"It's time for another party to step up and be a big player in regional NSW."

Mr Bacon said since opening his campaign office on Peel Street, there has been a steady flow of people who all had the same story.

"They want a viable alternative," Mr Bacon said.

READ MORE

"That's why we're here. It's important to have competition because it drives results.

"We've already seen millions of dollars pledged outside the budget, so it's working."

Independent Mark Rodda said the poll results were reflective of the "discontent" he was hearing from people, as he travelled around the region.

"One of the messages I'm getting is people are not willing to completely switch from a major party to a minor one, but they are willing to give an independent a go," Cr Rodda said.

"Ultimately, it doesn't matter if they are minor or major party, they are still controlled from a head office in Sydney. My message is, what you see is what you get.

"My policies are what the community wants, not what the party thinks the community wants. I'm not told want to do by a party director or the needs of donors.

"So often we see MPs told what way to vote by the party whip.

"We saw that with the privatisation of the poles and wires, which has since made electricity prices sky rocket.

"If something is harmful to my community, I won't hesitate to oppose it."

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