A time frame is already in place with the non-residential roll opening on June 5. Rate payers who live outside the shire are entitled to vote and have until August 4 to register if they wish to vote in the impending elections.

It is compulsory for all residents on the local government roll to vote.

Greater Hume Shire Council has a total of nine councillors. Following the introduction of wards in September 2008, each ward will be represented by three councillors.

“As it stands, from a total of nine councillors, three are from each of the proposed wards,” Council General Manager Steven Pinnuck said.

He pointed out the importance of residents identifying suitably qualified people in their communities to represent them as local government councillors.

Council information seminars will be held for people who are considering nominating to become a councillor.

Residents of each ward will vote for three nominees from their ward.

If only three people nominate to stand, they are automatically elected.

Residents of Greater Hume Shire elected to introduce the ward system at a referendum held during a bi-election created by the death of the late Ian Glachan.

At the referendum, 75 percent of electors voted to introduce wards.

South Ward will include the townships of Jindera, Walla Walla, and the villages of Brocklesby, Burrumbuttock and the south-western areas of the shire.

North Ward encompasses the townships of Henty, Culcairn, and rural areas of Cookardinia, Morven, Walbundrie and Bulgandry.

East Ward includes the township of Holbrook, the villages of Woomargama, Mullengandra, and Gerogery, and surrounding rural holdings of Gerogery West, Bowna, Wymah, Talmalmo, Lankeys Creek, Little Billabong and Carabost.