This is despite strong rumours circulating on Thursday that he intended to confirm he would join the race as early as Friday, December 21.

Mr Oakeshott confirmed he would make an announcement about his future in early 2019.

In the interim, he plans to continue to meet with community members to discuss issues relevant to particular areas of the Cowper electorate.

"I continue moving around our region, listening to fellow locals, neighbours, friends and family,  about what we all want for the future of our area," Mr Oakeshott said.

"Its an important time for all of us who enjoy bringing up families here, with a lot of rapid change - some good, some not so. 

"I have been in Coffs Harbour trying to work out why the Coffs Harbour by-pass has been left as the last section of upgrade, and how we can all make it finally happen and to the highest standard possible.

"In Port Macquarie, I have also been listening to affected residents about the orbital road proposal and trying to work through sensible solutions to the traffic crisis outside the hospital and in the industrial area, and throughout many parts of Port Macquarie at 8.30am, 4pm, and in holiday seasons."

Mr Oakeshott said he will continue talking through community issues with affected individuals, and further build to the growing list of reasons why I should (contest the election).

He spent five years as the federal member for Lyne. He retired from that role in 2013.

He contested the 2016 Cowper electorate with a quick-fire three-week campaign where he polled around 26 per cent of the primary vote.

The Nationals' currently hold Cowper with a margin of around 13 per cent. But the decision by 17-year veteran MP Luke Hartsuyker to resign along with some poor by-election results for the Nationals' and the Coalition government has shaved that margin.

In an interview with the Port News in August Mr Oakeshott said the resignation of Mr Hartsuyker was "an opportunity"

At the time, Mr Oakeshott said he was receiving "feedback that we are drifting on strategies for our university, health and education".

"There is not a lot of united community engagement in projects to help grow our area at the moment," he said.

"The frustration in our area is that while we are growing and ticking along, we could be doing so much better.”

If he intends to run, Mr Oakeshott has already ruled out a three-week campaign - similar to his tilt at Cowper in the 2016 election.

"It was unfair on volunteers and unfair on my supporters in the lead-up to the 2016 election. If I was to run again, it would be a much longer campaign,” he said.

"That would be to really galvanise a much more united approach, regardless of political background."

Mr Oakeshott is continuing with his medical studies at the NSW University and raising his four children.

The Nationals' have preselected Patrick Conaghan as its candidate while The Labor Party has endorsed Andrew Woodward. The Greens have announced Dr Sally Townley as its candidate.

The federal election must be held by May 2019.

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