Mr Drew was endorsed at the party preselection meeting on Saturday.

Mr Drew says he is committed to putting local people first and delivering the government investment and services Lyne needs now and in the future.

“Lyne is the greatest part of Australia and I’ve been proud to call this area my home for more than 20 years,” Mr Drew said.

“I’ve also been privileged to work with our community in a range of roles over that time and with our local State Nationals team and former Member for Lyne, Mark Vaile, to make this an even better place to live, work, raise a family and retire.

“I don’t want to see all the good work our community has achieved put at risk. I want to keep working with our community to improve local services and protect the way of life we love here on the mid-North Coast. That’s why I’ve decided to nominate to represent the people of Lyne in Federal Parliament.

“I’m also deeply concerned that the Rudd Government promised so much prior to the last election but is simply not delivering.

“You only have to talk to people in this area to know that they’re hurting from skyrocketing petrol prices, rising grocery prices, interest rates and living costs. It’s impacting on young people trying to get a start in life, working families and pensioners and carers who were left out in the cold in the Rudd Government’s Budget.

“And now local jobs are at risk from the collapse in business and consumer confidence under the Rudd and Iemma Labor Governments.

“I give the people of Lyne this guarantee. I will put their interests first and I’ll work hard to deliver the government funding, infrastructure and services that Lyne needs now and in the future.

“I will make sure the people of Lyne have a strong voice in Federal Parliament that the government simply cannot ignore.”