Port News talked to people on the streets of Port Macquarie to gauge what their priorities are for the upcoming state election. 

Twenty-two year-old Hannah wishes the pollies would stop talking about it and just get on with it.

For her pill testing is a no brainer.

After a horror summer of drug overdoses at music festivals in NSW the young woman from Port Macquarie says state politicians must make it legal for festival-goers to get their illicit drugs checked for dangerous substances.

"People are going to take drugs regardless so we may as well make it safe and accessible for people," she said.

The swinging voter says it is the number one issue for her in the upcoming state election.

At the other end of the spectrum is new resident Paul Beeching.

He is deeply concerned about the drug culture in Port Macquarie.

"I am concerned that more and more drugs are coming into this area," Mr Beeching said. 

Mr Beeching is also a swinging voter and says he is concerned drugs are changing Port Macquarie for the worse. 

"It is terrible to see young lives destroyed by drugs."

Long-term resident Neroli is a rusted on coalition voter.

For her immigration is the main issue.

"Labor will allow the boats to come back in," she declares.

Another lady who doesn't want her name or photo used tells me quietly she wishes state pollies would stop talking about immigration.

"They are talking about refugees instead of hospitals, nursing homes, schooling."

Swinging voter Fiona says she would like state politicians to prioritise a tidal pool in Port Macquarie because she is concerned about sharks.

"There are a lot of young families moving to the area and we have to make it safe for children to swim," the mum of two said. 

As for 35-year-old Josh Hannah he is too busy fishing to worry about the state election.

"I wouldn't have a clue, I plan to fold my piece of paper and throw it in the box," he says laughing.