Mr McCormack corrected the Herald's report that he had not visited during the campaign, saying he had indeed called in a couple of times, but in a pretty low-profile way, chatting to people in coffee shops.

He's also been in regular contact with mayor McAlister and deputy mayor Palmer.

He's confident the government will be returned, saying he hasn't detected a great mood for change - and as for this electorate he takes nothing for granted and has worked hard to achieve things for the Riverina.

If re-elected, he's positive about the possibility of some government employment being moved out of Canberra to Cootamundra, as has happened in Griffith and Wagga.

Another recent visitor to the Coota pre-poll centre has been the Greens Michael Bayliss, here yesterday, who says he hopes the local election will go to preferences.