The Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has said this year’s local government elections stand to revitalise the sector.

 

 “More than 2,000 candidates have nominated for the 2012 Victorian local government elections, so I urge all eligible voters to have their say, as voting is compulsory,” Mrs Powell said.

 

“Councillors take an oath to act in the best interests of the people they’re elected to represent. They are required by law to provide governance and leadership for local communities through advocacy, decision making and action.

 

Mrs Powell said the level of voter turnout in 2008 ranged from a low of 51 per cent at Port Phillip City Council to a high of 86 per cent at the Southern Grampians Shire Council.

 

Seventy-seven councils are going to election across Victoria. Most elections will be conducted through postal ballots with the exception of Banyule, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Knox, Moreland, Port Phillip, Stonnington and Yarra.