"The two terms I represented Monaro in the NSW Parliament produced big results for our area. Working with local communities we delivered hundreds of capital works projects, extra nurses, teachers, police and our region saw a sustained period of growth in jobs," Mr Whan said yesterday.

"We delivered new hospitals in Queanbeyan and Bombala, brand new schools in Jerrabomberra and Jindabyne, major improvements on the Kings Highway, overtaking lanes and new bridges on the Monaro Highway and many hundreds more projects.

"I know that at the 2011 election voters wanted a change of Government and many felt that having a Government Member was best for the electorate.

"Unfortunately the Nationals have not lived up to their promise to deliver 'Action Not Words'.

"I'm standing again because Monaro communities deserve to get their fair share.

"If I'm successful I will focus on education, health and jobs, the key issues for the future of local residents," he said.

Meanwhile, current Nationals Member for Monaro, John Barilaro, has welcomed Mr Whan’s announcement, and said he was confident he would prevail against his rival’s “record of failure.”

“Voters in Monaro now have a clear choice: a return to the past with Steve Whan, who was an integral part of the shady Labor machine that ran NSW into the ground for 16 years; or a continuation of the steady record of progress in our local area under the Liberal and Nationals government,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Mr Whan’s record of failure and factional backstabbing speaks for itself. I am only too happy to put my record of delivery and local results against his.

“This is the same Steve Whan who always put Labor Party factional power games before the people of this region,” he said.

Mr Whan said he would retire from politics completely if he was unsuccesful in his bid to become the next Member for Monaro.