The Greens have high hopes for Kobi Shetty.
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The minor party believes the long-time local, mum of three and passionate activist can and will retain the inner Sydney western seat comfortably held by retiring MP Jamie Parker this Saturday.
It's brains trust claims the political winds have shifted, with voters increasingly exasperated by having to punt on a two-horse race.
But ask anyone from Labor and they'll insist the electorate is not only winnable but a key plank in its blueprint to win majority government from the Liberal-Nationals and not have to rely on the Greens for support.
To rely on a well-worn campaign phrase, Balmain has become a battleground.
Rallying to the cause on Monday was none other than the Greens' former federal parliamentary leader Bob Brown.
The nation's best known environmentalist was in town over the weekend to gather support for the protection of native forests regardless of who wins the next term of government.
However, with five days till polling, he was all about Ms Shetty and the Greens' hopes for a hung parliament in NSW.
"Kobi Shetty here is going to be the next Greens member for Balmain - following in Jamie's great footsteps over the last 12 years," he said.
"I was there with Jamie 12 years ago when he won Balmain for the Greens and it's great to be back here with Kobi.
"The Greens are offering the people of Balmain what no other major party is - no new coal mines, no more gas fracking, an end to the destruction of NSW forests as well as the best social justice platform for the people of NSW," he said.
Mr Parker says "blatant pork-barrelling" in his seat has compelled him to call Labor out on it but insists the government needs to go.
Labor was on Friday accused of offering a $20,000 community grant to a public school's Parents & Citizens Association in exchange for votes.
The money would reportedly have contributed to a solar energy project at the school but Shadow Treasurer Daniel Mookhey rejected the claim, saying there was no such thing as a Labor community grants program.
"They are not grants. They are election commitments and they will be honoured regardless of whether or not a community chooses to vote for us or not," he said.
Australian Associated Press
