HAVING been in a safe Nationals seat for decades, the towns of Wedderburn, St Arnaud, Donald and surrounding areas are preparing to take part in a heated contest in Ripon.
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Last year's redistribution gifted the cropping areas to the Labor-held seat, which now faces a four-way battle between all major parties.
The retirement of sitting Labor MP Joe Helper has also added to the intrigue as the candidates energetically make their way to each corner of the electorate.
While traveling from St Arnaud to Donald on Tuesday, Liberal candidate Louise Staley told the Bendigo Advertiser along with the lack of rain, local government service delivery was one of the main issues in the area.
"I am committed to working with communities and local governments to make sure that farmers get fair and equitable access to local government services," she said.
Ms Staley said the Murray Basin Rail Project could take trucks off the road and support cropping.
All announced candidates have been keen to liaise with the northern towns, including Labor candidate Daniel McGlone, who met with a number of local councils and community groups recently.
He said building on the integration between local services, including education and employment, would keep small communities viable.
"The last thing these communities need is the withdrawal of services," Mr McGlone said.
"They are barely on the map in terms of ambulance services.
"Keeping businesses focused on local needs has a range of benefits. I think a lot collective responses are needed in the rural communities."
The last thing these communities need is the withdrawal of services.
- Daniel McGlone
With the towns previously part of the Swan Hill electorate, the Nationals candidate Scott Turner said it was the small things that mattered for the country towns.
"From my sporting background I can see how community groups are the backbone of these towns," he said.
"I think initiatives like the Regional Growth Fund go a long way to providing opportunities in the country."
The Greens were also confident of increasing their vote, with candidate and former Hepburn Shire mayor Rod May hoping to explain how the party can be compatible with the country.
He said improving food labeling, challenging the supermarket duopoly and getting the wind industry moving again would be priorities.
