East Moorabool councillor John Spain is the only incumbent not to renominate for his position, choosing to step aside after just one term on the council. 

East Moorabool ward will again be home to the most hotly contested seats in the shire, with eight candidates set to contest the four seats.  

Mr Spain said he only intended to see out the one term when elected back in 2012, and was pleased with the number of candidates willing to put their hands up for the eastern ward.

“I’m really pleased that three women have put their hands up in the ward, because council is always better when it reflects the constituency,” Spain said.  “I’d be even happier if there were a few younger people, but you have to be at the right stage of your life because it does take up a lot of time.”

Current mayor Allan Comrie will seek another term in office, while fellow incumbents Tonia Dudzik and David Edwards will also look for another four years.

The trio will be joined by Pentland Hills civil engineer John Keogh, 26-year-old Bacchus Marsh snake catcher Jarrod Bingham, Darley sales worker Moira Berry, Maddingley retired librarian and volunteer Margaret Scarff and Stuart Deagan on the East Moorabool ticket. 

Aquatic biologist and bed and breakfast operator John Kowarsky will attempt to unseat former mayor and recent Nationals candidate for the federal seat of Ballarat Paul Tatchell in the Central Moorabool ward which takes in Ballan.

Myrniong high school teacher and second-time candidate Lawry Royce Borgelt will take on veteran councillor Pat Toohey for the Woodlands ward seat. 

West Moorabool incumbent Tom Sullivan will be returned unopposed.