Mr Turner has announced that he will not contest the next State election to be held on March 26 2011.

"It's hard to know when to say quits, especially in politics, but I know leaving at the next election is the right time for me," Mr Turner said. "With my time as a State member of parliament and the time served in local government I will have spent half of my lifetime in public office. I am confident that the Liberal/Nationals parties will go into government next year and I would like to think I could have made a contribution to the new government but the time to leave has come.

"Although I will make my tributes later, towards my actual retirement date, I want to thank my staff both present and past for their support and loyalty. Without the dedication of my staff my life as an member of parliament would be very difficult. I would also like to thank at this stage the National Party "family" in the Myall Lakes Electorate for their support and help over the years.

"Also my wife and family have been wonderful. Being the family of a member of parliament is not easy. My wife reminds me she married a country solicitor and ended up with a member of parliament," Mr Turner said.

"The geographical boundaries of the electorate of Myall Lakes have changed over the period I have represented it but it's always been a fantastic electorate to represent with warm and friendly people.

"Others will reflect on my stewardship as the local member for Myall Lakes but I think that being a local member is the most important aspect of being a Member of Parliament. You are elected first and foremost to represent the people of your electorate. I hope I have done that over the last two and a bit decades.

"It has been a privilege to serve the community as the member for Myall Lakes and I will continue to do so right up until the next election.'' He said in due course the Nationals would hold preselection meetings to select a candidate to succeed him.