While the election is obviously about local government and issues important to residents, campaigning has predictably strayed into issues which are not “local” as would-be councillors seek to make their mark on the community.

Some are an attempt to grab the headlines or sprout the sound bite to get publicity. Many of the targeted recipients would see them as such.

Candidates need to detail what they stand for and what they will achieve for the community. They need to talk straight and honestly, not throw promises around like confetti. The community will want to see those promises kept and not become issues on which the candidate, if elected, starts doing backflips.

The machines are punching out candidates’ statements to the media across a range of issues from city parking spots and mobile phones to items like transparency in the election, links to political parties, a pledge to use social media responsibly, and to have candidates and their supporters – any players in the campaign – avoid personal attacks.

There has already been one report of a targeted personal attack on a candidate using social media. The Facebook posts concerned were removed. That was the right thing to do. That it happened at all is totally wrong.

All candidates, their supporters, residents … indeed everyone should ensure such an incident does not happen again.

Residents may get to witness a debate between candidate Ben Shields and prominent Dubbo figure Bob Berry.

Mr Berry challenged Mr Shields to the debate following suggestions by Mr Shields in July that local developers were not running for council to avoid scrutiny and for opposing rezoning in South Dubbo.

Mr Berry stipulated the debate had to be at least 10 days before the election.

Mr Shields responded on Thursday saying: “I certainly will take him up on that.”

The debate would be fascinating for a fair-sized section of the community. It should happen.

What would be of added value and have high interest is a forum, including all candidates, to give voters the chance to evaluate and question their ward candidates and others and see the shape of things to come.

Candidates should organise one quickly.