James Gooden, a lifelong Riverina resident and sheep and cattle farmer, is running as an Independent candidate for the Federal seat of Riverina. With deep ties to the land and a no-nonsense approach to politics, James is campaigning for genuine, community-first representation — free from party machines and big-city agendas.
Born and raised in the electorate, James lives on his family property near Cootamundra. He understands the challenges faced by farming families, small towns, and rural industries because he’s lived them.
As a former Chair of the Riverina Sustainable Food Alliance, James has long advocated for stronger regional economies, local decision-making, and long-term land stewardship.
“I’m running because the Riverina needs a strong, independent voice — someone who will speak up for the region without being told how to vote by a party room,” James said.
“I’m not here to play politics. I’m here to get things done.”
James’s priorities reflect what he hears on the ground: cost-of-living pressures, water security, better health and aged care services, and practical infrastructure that respects both communities and farmland. He supports a balanced energy future that includes nuclear, and strongly opposes the unchecked spread of large-scale solar and wind factories across productive agricultural land.
He is also calling for urgent attention to long-stalled projects like the Barton Highway Bypass, Inland Rail, the Gobbagombalin Bridge, and Wagga Wagga Airport — issues he says should have been resolved years ago.
“We don’t need more reviews and delays. We need decisive decisions and proper delivery,” James said.
James has been clear that landholders must be properly consulted and compensated when major projects like HumeLink or industrial energy developments affect farms, homes, or communities.
“Too often, local voices are shut out of decisions made in Sydney or Canberra. That has to change.”
If elected, James has pledged to vote with the Riverina — not a party. In a hung parliament, he will negotiate in good faith with all sides, based on expert advice and what’s best for the electorate.
His campaign is primarily self-funded and powered by volunteers from across the region. He is considering how-to-vote card preferences carefully and says any recommendations will be made with full transparency and in the best interests of Riverina voters.
For more information, visit www.jamesgooden.com.
