Popular Vandenberg Hotel owners Grant and Kim are ready for the next chapter, also revealing the Van has been sold and they'll hand over the bustling business on November 1.

"Forbes has come a long way in the past six or seven years, it's a beautiful place to live and I think it's due to the approach of the council," Cr Clifton said.

Improvements in the town centre and around the lake make Forbes an appealing place to visitors and new residents alike - and Cr Clifton sees that as so vital after being in hospitality in our community for 19 years.

"I like to see people coming to town, looking at Forbes as a destination," he said.

The first blocks in the new Edward Street residential development were released on September 30: the first 13 sold with plenty more people interested.

"It was amazing, it shows people are wanting to live in Forbes," he said.

"I would definitely encourage people to get on council, it's a great learning curve to start to understand how your town works and to put your stamp on things," he said.

Having a diversity of viewpoints in the chamber where so many local decisions are made is so important.

"We don't always agree and that's a good thing," Cr Clifton said.

What next? Grant says he and Kim will settle in their new home in town, and he looks forward to having more

"(Hospitality) is a hard industry to be in at the moment but very rewarding and we're extremely appreciative of all the people who have come into the Van," he said.

There's a lot of momentum on myriad projects in town right now and Cr Clifton wishes the new councillors all the very best as they continue the good work.

The ski dam, the lake surrounds, the strong industry at the saleyards, are all things that make Forbes what it is today.

"It all takes a good strong council," he said.