And, it appears there is little in the pipeline to deal with the issue in Tamworth.

The Labor Party has committed $20 million to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation unit in Dubbo, the closest treatment facilities for residents here are in Armidale or Tenterfield,- and clients face long wait periods for assistance.

With the state election fast approaching, Nationals candidate Kevin Anderson and Independent Mark Rodda acknowledged the need for a facility closer to home.

The incumbent Tamworth MP Mr Anderson said there had been discussions with non-government organisations about a potential facility, but did not commit funds to it four days out from the election.

It makes sense that the services be under one roof at the Banksia mental health inpatient unit, Shooters and Fishers candidate Jeff Bacon said.

"We need a fully serviced and staffed facility, out towards Wee Waa, Gunnedah - there's nothing, zero," he said.

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Country Labor candidate Steven Mears said Tamworth could still be a contender.

"There's $100 million there for the six facilities and we will certainly be pushing for one here in Tamworth," he said.

Drug overdoses have more than tripled in the Tamworth region and doubled in the Armidale area in the past 10 years.

At least 40 people died in the Tamworth region from 2012 to 2016, compared to 13 deaths from 2002 to 2006, a Penington Institute overdose report shows.

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