COUNCIL elections are drawing closer and the majority of current Yarra Ranges councillors have confirmed they will have another crack at the shire's top jobs in October.
Councillors Terry Avery, Noel Cliff, Len Cox, Samantha Dunn and Richard Higgins have all said they will be running again.
Current mayor Graham Warren said he was still undecided when the Weekly spoke to him last week.
Councillors Chris Templer of O'Shannassy Ward and Tim Heenan of Billanook Ward did not return calls by deadline.
After serving on the council for seven years, Ryrie Ward councillor Jeanette McRae has confirmed she will not be running again.
"I believe that there comes a time when it is necessary to refresh not only oneself, but to allow the opportunity for others to represent their community. For me that time is now," Cr McRae said.
"I have valued the opportunity to have provided strategic input into the direction for the Shire of Yarra Ranges; to make a difference; to have forged some strong friendships, and to have tested my levels of resilience in rising to the challenges and opportunities that have occurred."
Cr Cox is the longest serving elected member with 30 years as a councillor. He was recently presented with a certificate honouring his lengthy period of service in local government — or what he calls "the best form of government".
Cr Cliff has been a councillor for 10 years; councillors Dunn and Avery, seven years, and Cr Higgins, four years.
The 2012 council election is scheduled for Saturday, October 27.
Councillor nominations open on September 20 and close on September 25.
Earlier this year, the Shire of Yarra Ranges was subject to a ward subdivision review. The result was the very minor movement of the ward boundaries between Chandler and Billanook wards.
Details: vec.vic.gov.au/YarraRangesElection.html.