The pre-selection battle – closed to the public – will decide who is endorsed to fill the vacancy created by Andrew Gee’s move to federal politics.

Candidate Duncan Brakell said his goal was to focus on a regional vision and give residents a regional voice.

“As an integrated region – Orange, Cabonne, Forbes and Parkes – we have our own diverse industries and economies,” he said.

“I want to see the Inland Rail supported. It goes straight through Parkes and Forbes. It’s not just about moving people, but freight like grain.”

Mr Brakell said part of his vision was the elimination of mobile blackspots and a further emphasis on town infrastructure and planning.

He said the merger process which would rob Cabonne of its voice was “unfair” and residents of the area needed to have a voice in any new council.

Current Cabonne Shire councillor Janelle Culverson said regional people needed the opportunities city residents took for granted.

“This is my home, I was born here, my children were born here, I want to them to want stay here and young people to want to stay here,” she said.

Cr Culverson said she wanted to provide a strong voice to fight for services and against forced amalgamations.

“There’s no question that local government needed reform to ensure ratepayers are getting bang for their buck,” she said.

“But amalgamations are the wrong way.”

Scott Barrett has been preparing for his preselection tilt by working on the party’s federal campaign.

Mr Barrett said he knew “which levers to pull” in state parliament.

“We need someone to go into Macquarie Street, plant the flag, pick up the sword and start fighting for and delivering results for the electorate,” he said.

When it comes to amalgamations, Mr Barrett said “it looks like the cards have been dealt” and work was needed so smaller towns weren’t adversely affected by changes to local government.

It’s the second pre-selection Orange City Councillor Scott Munro has contested and he said he’s traveled 2000 kilometres securing votes.

“I learned a lot from the first one, [members] want someone who will work hard with passion and be reliable,” Cr Munro said.

He said if successful on Sunday he will push for a intensive neo-natal service in Orange, meaning 2500 women and children each year don’t have to travel to Westmead.

“It’s an investment in staff and equipment,” he said.