The government committed $140 million to upgrade the New England Highway between Newcastle and Tenterfield; however, that was announced in March as part of the budget, more than a week before the election was called.

New England's situation is in stark contrast to the marginal seat Victorian seat of Corangamite, where the Coalition is splashing around cash, with 41 promises worth more than $3.1 billion - or more than 22 times the amount promised to upgrade the New England Highway.

But New England MP Barnaby Joyce said he refuted the suggestion New England had been overlooked during the election.

"I'm not going to quibble over one week between the budget being delivered and the election being called," Mr Joyce said.

"Did we get the same as Corangamite? No, but that's $3 billion. And the election hasn't finished. I'm still fighting."

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Mr Joyce said he was happy to stand on his record of delivery, both in elections and throughout his multiple terms.

"If I wasn't delivering, they would have taken the $75 million I got for the Dungowan Dam upgrade out of the budget," Mr Joyce said.

"The money in the budget is better than election promises: it's locked in.

"It's taking a very narrow view of it, if it's only what you announce in the election that is relevant. It's what you do in the period leading up to it, and what you do in your term."

Independent candidate Adam Blakester called for Mr Joyce to make three "strong commitments, for the best interest of the electorate".

"The first is funding the Tamworth university campus. I think with the level of support and recognised benefit, it's a no-brainer," he said.

"We need a massive focus and commitment around water security.

"And thirdly, we have opportunities in the renewable sector. There are economic opportunities and jobs, while the projects have a great return on investment."

At the 2016 election, when Mr Joyce was facing former independent New England MP and political heavyweight Tony Windsor, he announced funding for such big projects as the Tamworth Sporting Centre of Excellence, Jewry St bridge duplication and APVMA relocation to Armidale.

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