Candidates in the September 10 Bega Valley local government election are aligning themselves in a bid to push their profiles and policies to the fore in a big field of 26 people vying to become councillors.
According to the Australian Electoral Commission website there are only two formal groups.
Group A comprises three members of the Bega Valley Shire Residents and Ratepayers Association - Fraser Buchanan, Judy Geary and John Richardson.
The trio will go to the poll as a group of independent candidates running on a platform of "back to basics", focusing on the delivery of services, and also openness and accountability.
Group B comprises David Porter of Tathra and Joshua Shoobridge of Kalaru.
But Mr Porter is also one of eight candidates who met in Bega on Sunday - after the ballot paper was finalised - to form a new alliance.
That alliance has vowed to stop what they call the council's "spendathon", which they claim has come at the expense of roads, water, sewerage, rubbish and other basic council services.
The team of eight also comprises Tony Allen and Russell Fitzpatrick - councillors on the outgoing council – together with Robyn Bain, Carol Carmody, Daryl Dobson, Brenda Edbrooke and Wayne Marmont.
Another group also has emerged with Mayor Michael Britten confirming on Tuesday he has formed a ticket with outgoing councillors Kristy McBain, Sharon Tapscott, Bill Taylor and Eden candidate Peter Whiter.
Mayor Britten said they were individuals standing on a platform of "stability and future leadership" with the aim of attracting infrastructure, creating employment opportunities and shoring up tourism.
He said he opposed politics and caucusing in local government, adding that the individuals on his ticket shared different views on some issues, but had a common a commitment to the future of the shire.
Fairfax Media will host a candidates' forum at Club Sapphire on August 31 from 6pm. A complete list of candidates and their election pitches can be found here.
