Six candidates are contesting the seat, which has been held by Nationals Member Damian Drum since it was created in 2019, with more expected to be announced during the initial stages of the six-week campaign.
Plans for the re-arrangement of water rights within the electorate was a hot topic at the first candidate forum a week ago at Moama RSL.
It was there that labour shortages on rural properties, and in small business, also came to the fore.
Sam Birrell is the Nationals candidate who will be attempting to take up where Mr Drum left off, as the 61-year-old former Fremantle coach and Geelong footballer retires after serving first as a state member for Northern Victoria and then as Member for Murray.
Steve Brooks is the Liberal candidate for Nicholls and has been campaigning almost as hard as the Independent candidate Rob Priestly.
Then there are the minor party representatives, Dr Robert Peterson from Seymour (United Australia Party), Rikkie Tyrrell and the recently announced Australian Citizens Party candidate Jeffrey Davy.
Mr Brooks said he was really excited to have a date and looked forward to meeting up with community members throughout the campaign.
“I will continue doing what I have been doing since the very start of January, meeting with community groups and reaching out to people to come and speak with me,’’ he said.
Mr Brooks’ family has a long history in the electorate at Cobram.
“There is a lot of history with my family, extends from Albury Wodonga through to Echuca,” he said.
“I will be asking all voters to look closely at the candidates and ask the question, ‘who will be able to advocate most strongly for the community?’.”
Nationals candidate and former Shepparton business group leader Sam Birrell said now there was a date the electors of Nicholls had a choice.
“They can choose between the politics of negativity and attack or for a party, which is focused on regional Australia,” Mr Birrell said.
“I am an optimist and this election is about delivering for Nicholls.
“I will doing my best to ensure no more water leaves our region.”
Independent candidate Rob Priestly said this election would be one of the most important in the history of the region.
“The next term of government will see the conclusion of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan,” he said.
“Having a voice dedicated to our issues, representing our region, will be crucial.”
Mr Priestly said the focus of the major parties had shifted to other voters in other places, leaving our community without a voice.
“We are ready for the campaign, the community are looking for change, and the date has been set,” he said.
“For the first time ever, Nicholls will be a focus for decision-makers with a real competition here. Let’s make the change we need.”
