Greens candidate Jon Stanger has nominated for Central ward, while former federal Liberal candidate Elizabeth Matuschka will run for South ward.

Mr Stranger is a disability support worker who says he wants to make local government more open and accountable.

He also hopes to make Ballarat a "transition town" to tackle issues including climate change, the water crisis and peak oil.

"A transition town produces food locally, builds efficient houses, makes better use of water, supports local business, uses renewable energy and builds community," Mr Stranger said.

"Ballarat will be a more liveable city as a transition town; better connected, lower bills, more independence, cleaner streets and a strong local economy."

Ms Matuschka is a research co-ordinator at the University of Ballarat who was the 2004 Liberal candidate for Ballarat.

But she said yesterday she was not running her campaign on a Liberal platform and believed political parties had no role in local government.

"I would see it as divisive to run for council along political party lines," she said.

"Ballarat's my home and I would really like to contribute to its future; I'd really like to see it grow in prosperity," she said.