The nature of Corangamite’s ward system and a dearth of nominees means three seats at the council table have been filled without contest. 

Jo Beard returns unopposed in the south central ward, Neil Trotter does likewise in south-west, while newcomer Lesley Brown will fill the seat vacated by veteran councillor Geoff Smith in the north ward.

There will be a contest in the other two electoral districts in Corangamite, with four nominees vying for three seats in the central ward and two competing for the single coastal ward seat. 

In ballot draw order, the nominees in the central ward are:

The coastal ward will be a contest between (in ballot draw order) Peter Harkin and Simon Illingworth.

Meanwhile in Moyne Shire, 17 names will fill out the ballot paper, which is believed to be the biggest field ever to contest an election in the shire.

The candidates, in ballot paper order, are:

The previous record for nominees is believed to be the 16 candidates that stood in 2008, which was the first Moyne Shire election after the ward system was abolished.

Voters will start receiving ballot packs in the mail in the coming days, with voting closing October 21 at 6pm. 

Changes to Australia Post handling times mean results timelines could vary and extend compared to the 2012 elections.

Official result declarations will take place between October 31 and November 4. 

Prospective councillors were given the option this year of completing a questionnaire, which voters can view on the VEC website from Thursday.