It comes after the well-known practitioner, educator and health-industry chief challenged the former Wagga MP Daryl Maguire in the 2011 state election.

According to voters, Dr McGirr had been the second most favoured to win that year.

But now, Doctor McGirr said the state government position was no longer considered a safe Liberal Party seat.

It follows the resignation of long-serving MP Daryl Maguire, earlier in August.

But Dr McGirr said he was confident he could gain the trust and support of Wagga residents as an independent candidate once more.

They know me, they know the work Ive done in the region, Dr McGirr said. They know Im a trustworthy person.

He said putting his hat in the ring had not been an easy decision, as it came at a great personal cost. But Dr McGirr said he believed it to be the right one.

He said the community was searching for something different ... an alternative.

I think I can provide that different perspective, he said. I can provide that credible alternative that will get people thinking about where to put their votes.

He said his 2011 campaign had worried the front-runners of the 2011 election and had played a part in a renewed push for a number of projects, including the hospital redevelopment.

The community had been crying out for a new hospital, he said. I brought the extra bit of focus to that.

Back then, Dr McGirr said he had stood because the under-funded facility was a significant issue for the city. This time, he said he was standing because he was upset at the way the electorate (had) been treated.

Among a list of fresh priorities, he said health would be at the top of his agenda.

Health is an important area, Doctor McGirr said. I am particularly concerned with making sure funding levels for hospitals are appropriate.

To explain, he said a lack of staff had resulted in a number of theatres not being used at Wagga Base. He said some services that should be up and running were not.

The long-time practitioner and health director said a fully-funded and completed stage-three hospital was important for Waggas future, as was the development of Tumuts hospital.

In addition, Dr McGirr said he wanted to push for an exemption to the payroll tax for rural and regional businesses, with a turnover of $4 million. He said this would generate more jobs and regional growth.

Ultimately, Dr McGirr said he wanted to give Wagga a fair go.

His slogan: Lets make this seat count. Yes, lets give Dr Joe a go.

Related:

Earlier: