For most residents, between home and car repayments, birthdays and anniversaries, it’s not a countdown that will rate much thought until polling day.

But for the city’s current and prospective council representatives, it can’t come soon enough.

By the time the September vote comes around it will have been five long years since the last election in 2012.

And while Dubbo Regional Council staff will continue the job of collecting rubbish and fixing roads – the responsibilities that most people look to their councils to fulfill – new and familiar faces are preparing their campaigns for election.

It is slightly unusual this time around, with no incumbents because of the amalgamation of Dubbo City Council and Wellington Shire Council.

A few of the former councillors from Dubbo City Council have already thrown their hat in the ring to represent the four Dubbo wards under the new system.

Ben Shields, Greg Mohr and Kevin Parker have all confirmed they intend to nominate, while former mayor Greg Matthews is also strongly considering standing.

Bill Kelly was undecided when contacted by the Daily Liberal and Allan Smith and Rod Towney also didn’t rule out standing, although they did say it was unlikely.

Just as interesting will be the Wellington side of the equation. There were eight former councillors representing the old Wellington shire. Now they get just two representatives for their ward.

It is understood former mayor Anne Jones and former councillors Mark Griggs and David Grant are intending to stand. 

Across all wards it would be good to see some new people putting their hand up. Experience is important to any council but so too are new ideas and different perspectives.

It would also be great to see plenty of women nominating because there should be strong female representation on council.

But regardless of whether the nominees are new or returning, male or female, their number one priority should be their electorate.

The shire’s residents deserve elected officials who will serve the community’s interests and ensure the region continues to grow. If that isn’t their number one priority, perhaps they should think twice about putting their name on the ballot sheet.