Seats on the Wyndham council will attract more attention at the coming election than ever before.
With two months remaining until residents cast their vote on October 22, 51 people have already declared their candidacy for one of the 11 spots on council … and more are arriving by the week.
Nominations for the council elections open on Thursday, September 15, and close on September 20 at noon.
In the 2012 elections, 46 people nominated for council positions. In 2008, the number was 22, while the 2005 and 2003 elections each attracted 24 nominees.
Voters in the Chaffey ward, which takes in the suburb of Tarneit and sections of Werribee and Hoppers Crossing, will be the most spoilt for choice this election. As of Tuesday, 20 people had thrown their hat in the ring for one of the four seats. Four of the candidates are female.
In Harrison ward, which takes in Point Cook, Truganina, Williams Landing, Laverton North and the remaining part of Hoppers Crossing, 19 candidates have declared their interest – 14 men and five women.
Iramoo, the ward for voters in Werribee South, Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes, Quandong, Little River, and sections of Werribee and Eynesbury, will have 12 candidates for the three seats. Five are female.
Council chief executive Kelly Grigsby said it was too early to comment on the number of candidates. “As a general principle, however, it’s preferable that the council reflect the broader community profile, with councillors having a commitment to working with and representing Wyndham residents.”
A recent Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) survey of more than 170 elected councillors showed that prior involvement in community groups was a common trait of those elected.
MAV chief executive Rob Spence encouraged anyone with a passion for their community to contest a spot on council.
He said the survey revealed community group participation was highest in local sports clubs, Rotary, the Country Women’s Association, scouts, guides and school councils. A spokesman for acting Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said it is always up to the people of Wyndham to decide who would be their councillors.
“There are no restrictions on any individual from nominating as candidates in council elections, provided they are qualified to stand,” he said.
Western Metropolitan Liberal MP and shadow parliamentary secretary for electoral integrity Bernie Finn said the number of candidates running was “ludicrous”.
“The reality is Wyndham could have more candidates than we saw running for the Senate,” he said.
