More than 40 chamber members and their guests turned out to hear each of the candidates talk on their policies for the upcoming election.

Present were Hunter Nationals Michael Johnsen, Upper Hunter Greens John Kaye, Country Labor Martin Rush, Christian Democratic Party for Hunter Richard Stretton and independent Lee Watts.

Chamber president Jenny Lewis said it was the first dinner meeting of the year and it was good to have all five candidates present.

Michael Johnson said it was obvious roads were a big issue for Dungog.

“I’m sick of the buck passing of the different layers of government on this issue,” he said.

“In 1995 councils were lumbered with regional roads by the state government with no money to fix them.

“I know $20million has been allocated to fix the road from Raymond Terrace to Dungog via Clarence Town but a lot more is needed for the other roads in the area.

“While I can’t guarantee I can get all the money to fix all the potholes, I will definitely go into bat for you and get the best I can.”

Greens’ candidate John Kaye said the main issues he could see was the rail truncation in Newcastle, as well as unemployment in the rural sector, state of the roads and the land bought by Hunter Water for Tillegra Dam which is just sitting there and not being used.

“I don’t support the privatisation of the poles and wires and want the funding for the TAFE system returned and no privatisation of any of the state’s assets.

“Climate change is the big elephant in the room – globally, federally and at state and local level.

“I oppose coal seam gas and new coal mines and I want to see the royalties from the coal mines go back into the regional communities where they are located.”

Labor’s candidate Martin Rush, who is in his seventh year as the mayor of Muswellbrook, was the driving force behind the introduction of a royalties of regions scheme in NSW and has been a strong force behind the introduction of additional education resources in the Upper Hunter.

“Education is very important and stripping TAFE of funding will do nothing for country NSW,” he said.

“Labor’s priorities are health and education and it’s education what keeps communities alive.

“I want local apprentices for coal mines so they can learn, earn money and stay in the area.

“I believe in more money for regional roads.  Dungog and Gloucester don’t have any state roads and it’s the ratepayers who have to share the burden of the repairs.”

Richard Stretton from the Christian Democratic Party for Hunter is a small business owner who said he understands local issues.

“There are obviously issues with the roads and I support the rail line to continue right through into Newcastle.

“We need to keep our children in rural areas by offering them employment. They go off to uni and don’t come back as there aren’t any jobs.

“If infrastructure was shared between both city and regional areas, it would be a lot better.

“If a new university was to be built, I would suggest it goes to a regional area so the city kids would come here instead of the other way around.”

Independent Lee Watts has been coming to the Dungog Shire for 18 months, getting to know the people and the area and its unique issues.

“I am running for state politics because I was sick of our electorate being taken for granted.

“I see every day how people are finding it tough and how services are being stripped away from our regional communities.  It’s the same in all our towns across this electorate.

“So what was once a safe seat for over 100 years is no more.

“What I love about being independent is being able to make policys to suit each area.

“Dungog is facing amalgamation, there are positives, but there are also issues with it.

“If we are serious about attracting business to this area we need good roads, a good rail system and excellent communication.”

Ms Watts said she won’t be directing her preferences to any party, they will stay with her only.

“I am not anti-Liberal or anti-Labor, I am pro-people,” she said.