Both men also reported they had been receiving positive feedback from voters while on the campaign trail.

They also said the people of Barwon had made up their minds to be rid of the State Labor government.

Mr Humphries will be representing the Nationals at Saturday’s election, while Mr George will be standing for the Australian Greens.

Mr Humphries said the main issues voters had been talking to him about were cost of living, infrastructure, law and order and health.

He said voters were upset by rapidly rising electricity prices and rundown infrastructure.

He also said voters were upset by Labor’s support for a carbon tax, although he acknowledged that was a Federal rather than a State issue.

Mr Humphries said he had been telling people they could expect better management, more accountability, less red tape and decentralisation under a Coalition government.

He said voters had responded well to his message and made it clear Kristina Keneally’s term as premier was about to end.

“People really want a change - there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

Mr George said the main issues people had been speaking to him about were law and order, transport and coal seam gas.

According to Mr George, people were demanding immediate improvements in law and order - although he thought it was a “generational” problem that would only be solved by community participation and significant investments of time and money.

Another issue voters had expressed frustration about, Mr George said, was the quality of Barwon’s rail infrastructure.

He also said farmers were concerned about how the exploitation of coal seam gas would affect their property rights, property values and water.

Mr George said he had been “really surprised” by the positive reception he had received from the farmers - even if he admitted that might not translate into votes.

Mr George said it was obvious Mrs Keneally was going to be defeated, as “the Labor Party is definitely on the nose”.

However, he made it clear he did not think a change of government would benefit NSW.

“There’s going to be a change of government, but will there be a change of policies?”

Country Labor candidate Patrick Massarani could not be reached for comment.