LAMB producer Tim Leeming wants Wannon to become a marginal seat so governments give the region more attention.
Voters in the safe Liberal seat would benefit from a more competitive voting "marketplace", whereas the "current complacency leads to inaction", he said.
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The swinging voter is undecided whether to back the Liberal candidate, Dan Tehan, or one of the independent candidates, such as Katrina Rainsford.
Mr Leeming, a former president of Hamilton Young Liberals, said the local representative must fight for the region and develop its population and food- producing capability.
"It's a concern the Liberals couldn't select a local candidate who is passionate about the area, instead of someone from elsewhere, which looks like a career move," he said.
Mr Leeming, who farms with wife Georgina at Pigeon Ponds, northwest of Hamilton, said local issues included inflated land values due to flawed managed investment scheme forestry policies, rail infrastructure, water security for towns, responsible water management across agriculture and support for small business and industry.
Mr Leeming said towns with potential such as Hamilton had been allowed to stagnate and voters should expect governments to do more to attract industry, jobs and people.
"It would be nice if people got off their traditional-voting backsides and looked at what's needed from our representatives for this region to succeed," Mr Leeming said.
