MURRAY River Council (MRC) mayor Chris Bilkey is urging locals to consider standing for council when nominations open later next month.
Residents will head to the polls on December 4, after delays of more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cr Bilkey said the election was a great opportunity for those keen to make a difference in their local area.
“Local government is the area where people with a strong sense of community can really make an impact,” he said.
“Councillors represent the needs, wants and aspirations of their local community and make important decisions on behalf of their residents.
“I’d certainly encourage anyone passionate about what happens in our area or wanting to make a positive impact on decision-making processes to nominate.”
This year’s election will be only the second time a group of councillors will be sworn in at MRC since being formed through amalgamation in 2016 of the neighbouring Wakool and Murray shires.
With nine councillor positions up for grabs, Cr Bilkey said a robust pool of candidates was needed to ensure a good cross-section of local voices.
It was unclear whether Greater Wakool Ward incumbents – Neil Gorey, Alan Mathers and Ann Crowe – would contest their positions. All were contacted for comment.
Greater Wakool Ward takes in the townships of Barham, Moulamein, Murray Downs and Tooleybuc.
Cr Bilkey said local residents knew their local community and the importance of a local voice in decision-making.
“It would be great for all our communities to have solid representation from right across the council footprint in this year’s election,” he said.
“With the extra time now before the election, it’s a great opportunity to have a look at all the electoral information available to make sure you are fully informed of the nomination processes and all the areas in between.”
Candidate nominations are open from October 25 to November 3.
