Important issues affecting the Upper Hunter community in particular in recent years include mining approval processes and heavy industry's effect on public health.

The seat spans Quirindi, Gloucester, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook and includes vast swathes of farmland alongside numerous mines, wineries, horse studs and power stations.

It was also the home of the long-standing Tillegra Dam proposal for Dungog that was quashed late last year.

Independent candidate and Liverpool Plains farmer Tim Duddy said he stood for the seat because the region needed a clear approach to land use to guide competing industries in the diverse region.

"I think there's quite a bit of despondency in the electorate about what's going on," he said.

"We have seen the most extraordinarily bad development of the valley where no one's interests are being looked after, including the mining industry's.

"If we have a proper land-use strategy all these things will be allowed to co-exist."

Mr Duddy is one of several hopefuls seeking to break a lengthy spell under incumbent Nationals MP George Souris, whose party has held the seat since the 1930s.

Mr Souris has been Upper Hunter MP since 1998 and was re-elected with a 14.7 per cent margin at the 2007 election.

Sportsbet had the former National Party leader as an unbackable favourite at $1.01, followed by university student and Country Labor candidate Michael Gibbons at $13.

Other candidates including The Greens' Chris Parker, Christian Democrat Fred Cowley and Mr Duddy were paying $16.

Mr Souris declined to comment on his re-election chances but said there was a strong feeling in the Upper Hunter electorate.

"I think it's the feeling of neglect over 16 years of Labor administration," he said.

"I haven't stopped fighting and I certainly look forward to being a senior member if there is a change of government.

"I hope with this impending election [Upper Hunter voters] are most concerned to have a chance to get some benefits and have a seat at the table."

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