Mr Cowley joins three other candidates including Independent Tim Duddy, current Upper Hunter MP and National George Souris and Greens’ Chris Parker in the Upper Hunter race.

Labor is still yet to confirm an official candidate.

Mr Cowley told The Singleton Argus yesterday he believed coal seam gas and mining were biggest issues facing the Upper Hunter.

“Coal seam gas and the mines, it is a very important industry that we are very dependent on but I’m concerned it’s not being properly overseen,” he said.

As a member of the Christian Democratic Party (The Fred Nile Group) he said he represented the party’s values. Mr Cowley works as a rural contractor, lives at Gresford and is married with three children.

Meanwhile those voting for the first time on March 26 only have until March 7 to register with the Australian Electoral Commission.

Enrolment forms are available online at www.aec.gov.au .