Young people have been encouraged to stand for election to council.
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Local Government NSW president Keith Rhoades said the elections were an opportunity to help take council into a new era.
"For too long local government has been seen as a place for older people, with the average male councillor aged in his 60s and the average female councillor from mid-40s up,” Cr Rhoades said.
A total of 46 councils will go to the polls on September 9. The include 20 newly amalgamated councils, 14 councils pending forced amalgamation and 12 regional councils originally slated for amalgamation which have been granted a reprieve.
"Older councillors have significant life and professional experience to bring to the table, but they don't have a monopoly on good ideas,” Cr Rhoades said.
"What we're looking for is a good balance that reflects the community and has a future focus.
"It's absolutely critical that our councils cover the full breadth of the community, and that includes young people with a commitment to building their communities and making life better."