Yesterday, incumbent state member George Souris said a full investigation into Singleton’s highway by-pass, or at least a heavy vehicle by-pass, would be conducted if his party was to win at the March election.

Mr Souris said Singleton and Muswellbrook in particular deserved a better road network than the present congestion experiences on the New England Highway.

“Even now in peak hours such as at 6am, there is bumper to bumper traffic from south of Greta to well north of Singleton as workers in mines, power stations and in agriculture head to work every day,” Mr Souris said.

“The Singleton community was in shock when current NSW Labor Minister for Roads said that Singleton’s traffic did not warrant a by-pass now or in the future,” he said.

“The through traffic that Singleton will experience once the extended F3 opens is something the council and the community want to see planned for and not left for consideration afterwards,” he added.

Meanwhile, yesterday, Mr Souris’ only opponent to date, Independent candidate Tim Duddy made his own promises at his campaign launch at the Singleton Heights RSC.

Mr Duddy, a Gunnedah councillor who hails from the Liverpool Plains, said he would call for a moratorium on coal mining, if he was elected.

A farmer, Mr Duddy said he was not anti-mining but said a whole of government approach regarding all industries in the Upper Hunter was needed so the “community can go forward and prosper together”.

“The conflict has begun because the policy is appalling,” he said.

“In this area, it is essential we pause so there are no new developments in the next three months, six months or even 12 months so everyone comes to the table for a proper discussion about what everyone’s future is and how we can survive together,” he said.

Voters will go to the polls on March 26.