After fighting it out three years ago, both yesterday appeared keen for a rematch in 2011.

So far they are the only potential members of Dubbo’s political landscape to raise their hands.

With 10 days left before Nationals nominations close, just one of the party’s members has confirmed he will stand for pre-selection in March.

Nationals pre-selection nominations close on February 19, and pre-selection itself takes place on March 27, the NSW Nationals office advised.

Cr Matthews confirmed he had not nominated for pre-selection, but planned to do so.

Cr Matthews said that he didn’t know who his opposition would be because no one else had nominated yet.

“Nobody nominates until the last day,” he said.

He said he was feeling fairly relaxed about pre-selection but was not sure what the result would be.

Incumbent MP Dawn Fardell could not confirm she would stand for the State election but said it was more than likely.

“At this stage I feel well and healthy and could continue to work for the electorate,” she said. “But I have to live day by day and can’t be sure that’s how I will feel next year,” she said

“If you ask me today the answer is yes. I feel I could work for the electorate for another four years. But I have learned to take life as it comes,” she said.

Ms Fardell and Cr Matthews both fought for the seat of Dubbo at the last State election in 2007 with Ms Fardell claiming the victory.

She won the election on preferences after receiving fewer primary votes than Cr Matthews.

Cr Matthews has served two terms as Dubbo mayor since that election.

Ms Fardell won a 2004 by-election after the death of independent Dubbo MP Tony McGrane.

Prior to Mr McGrane’s time in Parliament, Dubbo had been a safe National Party electorate.