This comes following NSW Local Government Minister Paul Toole’s announcement that the scheduled 2016 local government elections will be split into two rounds.

Councils not subject to a merger proposal, including Forbes, will go to the polls on Saturday, September 10, whilst the election for newly-merged councils will take place in March 2017.

Planning has since commenced with the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) for Forbes’ local elections.

Forbes Shire Council’s general manager Max Kershaw said now’s the time to start thinking about nominations for anyone who is interested in standing for a councillor position.

NSWEC has advised that candidate nominations will open on August 1 and close on August 10.

Forbes mayor Phyllis Miller encourages anyone wanting to stand for council to contact her or any of the other councillors for advice.

“If anyone wants to have a confidential chat with myself or any councillor, give us a call,” she said.

Anyone interested in standing as a candidate can go to www.votensw.info for more information including registration details, requirements and key dates.

Candidates and groups can contact the NSWEC directly on 1300 022 011 or email fdc@elections.nsw.gov.au if they have questions about registration or their election campaign finances.