Mr Smith, who will run as an independent, has lived in Bulahdelah for 47 years and currently runs a beef cattle farm.

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“During that time my wife and I have raised four children, worked in the local community and contributed to sporting and social groups,” he said.

“I have business experience as well as many other practical skills to offer as a candidate in this election.”

Noting he would not make any “wild promises” about what he hopes to achieve on council, Mr Smith said it was “extremely important to have a voice that can and will speak for the outlying towns and villages of our LGA”.

“To that end I will always be available to listen to any concerns that ratepayers have and raise them with the appropriate council staff,” he said.

Mr Smith indicated his key focus was on the “basics for any local council” – roads, rates and rubbish.

“I would like to see the roads in our area receive more realistic funding for upgrading, particularly in the outlying areas of the council area.

“The issue of rates is a complex one, but unfortunately we need to pay rates if we are to achieve the improvements we all desire and deserve.

“I would be seeking an even application of rate-generated income across the whole area.

“As for rubbish, I would be seeking to lower costs to tip rubbish at council waste management sites in an effort to reduce the amount of rubbish illegally dumped at roadsides throughout the MidCoast LGA.”