The Shire of Capel is busily preparing for the 2019 Local Government Elections, with five councillor positions up for grabs.
With this year's elections set for October 19, candidates will have from September 5 to 12 to submit their nominations.
Councillors Brian Hearne, Barry Bell, Jennifer Scott, Peter McCleery, and Sebastian Schiano will be going up for re-election.
Five other community members have already put their hands up to run. More nominations are expected over the next few weeks.
Mr Hearne has proudly served as deputy president for the past six years.
During the 2019/20 draft budget debates, he was praised for addressing the unfair treatment of councillors via social media.
Mr Hearne said the shire and council have strived to create a bright future for the entire community.
"As a group, we all get along during the council meetings," he said.
"Rarely do we disagree with the officer's recommendation.
"If motions aren't passed, it's usually because we need more information. We then defer them to future meetings."
Mr Hearne said they have also helped to facilitate immense growth within the region.
"A few years ago, the Shire of Capel was the fifth fastest growing regional area in Australia," he said.
"We have a diverse community across several locations, and I'm very keen for us to maintain that.
"The shire has done a good job of bringing in new developments and looking after the environment."
A special event for prospective candidates will be held at the City of Bunbury administration building - Council Function Room, at 5.30pm on Monday, September 2.
Mr Hearne urged all candidates to take the community's interests into consideration.
"I want as many people as possible to put their hands up," he said.
"The Local Government Amendment Bill, that recently went through parliament, imposes a lot of requirements on councillors.
"The candidates need to accept what they're putting their hands up for."
The shire's 2017 Local Government Elections saw a voter turnout of 31.53 per cent, compared to a rate of 23.86 per cent in 2015.
Mr Hearne encouraged residents to have their say and to make their votes count.
Visit https://capel.wa.gov.au/council-elections-2019/ or contact info@capel.wa.gov.au for more information on this year's elections.
What would you like to see for the Shire of Capel? email editor.bunburymail@fairfaxmedia.com.au
