Cr Gerald Madden's claim came as the forum organisers were yesterday told they must find a new venue less than two weeks before the November 13 event.

Moyne Ratepayers Association president Adrian Johnson was surprised to learn from the council that no campaign-related activity could be held at the council-owned Koroit Theatre.

The sudden venue change came as Cr Madden contacted The Standard to voice his anxieties.

The Ratepayers Association has touted the forum as a chance for the public to get to know the candidates before the election.

"I won't be attending because I fear for my personal welfare," Cr Madden, a councillor of nine years, said.

"I very much doubt the ability or the impartiality of the chairman to control a potentially hostile environment."

Cr Madden added he had received "threats from two members of the ratepayers association in recent years".

He described the forum as a "set-up" by the association and rejected suggestions he was avoiding public scrutiny.

"I'll take my chances with 14,000 voters rather than a group forum," he said.

Mr Johnson said Cr Madden had nothing to fear by attending the forum, "not unless he's a bad driver getting there . . . that's absolutely ridiculous," he said.

"We have gone out of out way to do everything about the forum right."