The NSW Division of the Liberal Party expects to win as many as eight position, so Mr MacDonald is well placed to succeed.

Mr MacDonald, his wife Aileen and their family have lived in Guyra for more than 20 years and own Guyra Rural Services, currently managed by Campbell Wolfenden.

Currently working in Griffith as executive officer of Riverina Citrus, Mr MacDonald said he is gaining leadership experience in an agri-political organisation.

“I am very excited and honoured to be selected for this role. My aim is to bring a rural and regional perspective to the NSW Parliament and hopefully make a contribution to an O’Farrell Government,” he said.

“I think it will be good for Guyra and northern NSW to have representation in the Legislative Council.

“Although there are definitely signs the public is ready for a change, a Coalition win is far from guaranteed.

“When we vote next March, we’re not just voting for our local member, but who will form government. The Coalition can’t win government if we don’t pick-up seats like Northern Tablelands and Tamworth.

“This isn’t a beauty contest or popularity poll, it’s about who do you want to manage the State’s economy, its hospitals, schools, transport, police and so on.

“If the Coalition wins, it has an enormous job to repair the damage done by the Labor Party and Independents. It will take some tough decisions and hard choices. NSW can’t afford a hung Parliament.”