13 August 2008

More than four and a half thousand candidates will contest the 2008 local government elections next month following the close of nominations at midday today.

NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry said a last minute rush of nominations took the final figure to 4620, with more than 500 people lodging their candidature in the three hours before the midday deadline.

“Although the figure is slightly less than the 5,000 who stood for public office in 2004, there are some fiercely contested elections shaping up, particularly in the larger regional centres and on the outskirts of Sydney,” Mr Barry said.

“Communities across the State will once again have the opportunity to have a say on who represents them at the local government level over the next four years. This is a win for voters, the councils and for democracy itself.”

Campbelltown City topped the list with 92 candidates vying for 15 council seats. Other councils to record large candidate numbers include Penrith (83); Port Stephens (78); Wingecarribee (70); Hawkesbury (69); Warringah (65); Blue Mountains (65), Newcastle (64); Blacktown (62); Wagga Wagga (60); Manly (58); Maitland (57) and Albury (53).

In the City of Sydney elections, five candidates have nominated for the Lord Mayor’s position and 39 candidates are vying for the nine council seats.

Shellharbour, Wollongong, Broken Hill and Port Macquarie-Hastings remain under administration.

By-elections will be held in Bland, Warren (A Ward) and Wellington council areas because of insufficient candidate numbers.

Mr Barry said the next four weeks would be busy leading up to the 13 September poll.

“With just one month until polling day, candidates will be busy campaigning while election officials will begin the important task of organising pre-poll and postal voting, particularly because there is no absentee voting at council elections.”

Election officials across the State have spent the afternoon conducting the all-important ballot paper draw to determine the order of candidates on each ballot paper. Draw results can be viewed at www.elections.nsw.gov.au.

Media Contact: Adrian Kerr, NSW Electoral Commission

(02) 9290 5954  adrian.kerr@elections.nsw.gov.au