The ballots are drawn and now the campaign is underway for the election on September 13. With 13 nominations, it is going to be tough competition to fight for the 12 positions. But the number of nominees is down this election, with 20 candidates putting their names forward in 2004. Retiring from the Inverell Shire Council are David Mudaliar, Peter Lloyd and Darrell Barnes. Councillors re-standing are mayor Barry Johnston, Di Baker, Mick Lewis, John Irvine, Harold Castledine, Kevin Kneipp, Larry Cameron, Paul Harmon and David Jones.

New faces to the election are Rick Molesworth, Jacki Watts, Mal Peters and Bob Dasey. Cr Johnston said it was disappointing there were only 13 nominees.

“This election is going to cost us more than $100,000 to only have one person not succeed,” he said.

Cr Johnston said he was sad to see councillors Mudaliar, Lloyd and Barnes stepping down.

“Cr Mudaliar has a very active mind and made a significant contribution for his one term on council,” he said.

“Cr Barnes has been on council for quite a long time and he has really been public minded as has Cr Lloyd in his many years on council.

“In their own way they have all been very good councillors and they will be missed.”

Cr Cameron has concerns about this election because he will appear on the ballot paper with his Christian name John but he has been known as Larry his entire life.

“The last two elections I have been Larry on the ballot paper, so I am disappointed it has been changed because it is now running through the NSW Electoral Commission,” he said.

The Ward A of Guyra Shire Council, which is Tingha/Ben Lomond, has four nominees on the ballot paper this election, with two to be chosen.

Suzy Blacklock and Chris Donovan are the new faces with Audrey McArdle and David McRae re-standing.

Mr Donovan will be at the Tingha Sport and Recreation Club from 6pm tonight to discuss issues with the community.

Meanwhile, in Wards B and C, there will be no election as there are four nominees elected unopposed.

Dot Vickery, Hans Hietbrink and Bruce Howlett are new to the Guyra Shire Council, while deputy mayor Shane Davidson has returned.