Nationals MP Tim McCurdy holds the seat comfortably, but it is not known how his looming fraud trial in the County Court will affect the vote.

He said he hoped voters would see he was willing to “walk the talk” as an MP.

“The mindset that the independents work on is ‘we’ll just keep talking’,” he said.

“Hopefully people will support stable and good governance from the Nationals.

“We have our policies, they’re transparent, and we have a team approach – its not about me.”

His biggest challenge will come from independent Tammy Atkins.

In a final pitch to voters, Ms Atkins said the election was a chance to make Ovens Valley count.

“I will work hard across political lines to make sure we get the investment our communities need,” she said.

“I am standing on my record of making Ovens Valley a better and safe place – whether it is my work fighting problematic drug use, building our local manufacturing base, or supporting communities to grow up and down the valley.

“As an independent I’ll have the freedom to vote on what is truly in the best interests of our region. I will consult widely and take on board feedback from our communities.”

She said the key issue would be whether votes wanted “more of the same” from the Coalition or a different plan.

Australian Country Party candidate Julian Fidge took aim at Ms Atkins in his pitch to voters, saying his 30 years working with addicts trumped her year on the Wangaratta Local Drug Action Team.

“As a farmer, I know I just baled 38 large squares from the paddock in which I baled 220 last year – I know we need reliable water to prosper reliably,” he said.

“I really am an actual business man, who employs people, not a self-employed consultant lacking education, training and experience.

“But people vote with their hearts, not their heads, and I expect the biggest issue in this election will be gender, when it should be the published policies for this specific region.”

Vicki Berry pointed to the Greens’ principles and policies on climate change, social justice, human rights, equality and grassroots democracy.

“The Greens will ensure that the community has rights when planning decisions are made,” she said.

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