2,004 candidates have enrolled for Victoria’s 2012 council elections, recording a four per cent increase over the previous 2008 elections.

 

The Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) CEO, Rob Spence, welcomed the high level of nominations, saying it showed keen community interest in civic duty.

 

“We’ve seen particularly high numbers of nominations in many outer suburban councils, which potentially highlights the tensions and challenges facing growth communities,” Mr Spence said.

 

“Our dedicated stand for council campaign has really paid off with a 42 per cent drop in the number of councillors elected unopposed. Of the 631 councillor vacancies, only 32 were uncontested this year.

 

“It’s also pleasing to see more females nominating. Thirty-three per cent of all candidates are women, up from 31 per cent in 2008.

 

Nomination statistics:

  • Total candidates: 2 004 nominations, including 461 incumbents (74 per cent)
  • Vacancies: 631
  • Unopposed vacancies: 32 across 17 municipalities (5 per cent of total vacancies)
  • Incumbent councillors returned unopposed: 21 councillors from 14 municipalities
  • Mayors returned uncontested: three (Banyule, Knox and Murrindindi)
  • Every vacancy contested: 61 councils
  • Highest number of nominations: 85 for 11 vacancies in Casey, and 72 for 7 vacancies in Melton
  • Retiring councillors: 159 (26 per cent) including 17 mayors
  • Women candidates: 659 (33 per cent of all candidates). Women currently comprise 29 per cent of elected councillors.