State director Ben Franklin said the central executive recommended the Dubbo Electorate Council extend its nomination period.

He was positive about the “high quality” of potential candidates said to be considering nominating for Nationals’ preselection.

“We have some excellent community-focused candidates who have expressed their intention to stand for the seat of Dubbo at the 2011 State election,” Mr Franklin said.

Currently only former Dubbo mayor Greg Matthews has

made public his decision to nominate.

He was to make his nomination official by last night.

“However, there are others who are seriously considering running but not in a position to nominate ,” Mr Franklin said.

Whoever wins Nationals pre-selection will be in the box seat to challenge incumbent Dubbo MP Dawn Fardell for her seat, should the latter decide to run as expected.

The Labor and Greens parties are also expected to select candidates for the State election in March 2011.