Merriwa, a coal-free corner of the NSW Upper Hunter electorate, which has so far eluded the attention of most candidates in this month's by-election, hosted the first candidates' forum.
President of the Merriwa Cassilis Alliance Pete Campbell quizzed candidates on how they would support residents affected by Transgrid's controversial high-voltage project to the west of town.
The majority of candidates agreed to meet with affected landholders to discuss their concerns.
Independent Tracey Norman was critical of the project and remarked it was a case of "big boys and their big toys … is it absolutely essential?"
Candidates questioned about weed killer
In a reflection of Merriwa's agricultural roots, candidates were asked for their position on the controversial weedkiller Round-Up.
The Greens' Sue Abbott said the use of glyphosate, the chemical in Round-Up, is "very problematic" and she would support a ban.
Labor candidate Jeff Drayton said he supports its use, provided safety is assured.
The Nationals' Dave Layzell described attempts to ban it as a "crazy ideology that's trying to shut down our farms."
Independents spruik a party-free future
The seat of Upper Hunter has been held by the Nationals since its inception.
The seven independent candidates have attempted to cast the by-election as a fork in the road for the region.
Independents Tracy Norman and Kirsty O'Connell announced they will preference each other over any other candidate.
They say the electorate has an opportunity to select a party-free representative for more power in state parliament.
"We're the ones who are really talking about diversifying the economy up here, to make sure there's longevity in jobs and to make sure the Upper Hunter stays strong," Tracy Norman, the former Mayor of Dungog, said.
"It makes sense that when we generate more than a billion dollars of coal royalties every year, that a fair portion of those coal royalties should be coming back here to invest in critical services like Muswellbrook Hospital," Kirsty O'Connell said.
