Women make up just under half of the candidate pool which sees six groups headed up by Cassandra Coleman, Steven Ring, Peter Pilbeam, Darryl Goodwin, Stephen Lesslie and Maree Statham respectively as lead candidates in each group.

The Lithgow Mercury is currently running a poll online, asking readers for what they consider to be the biggest community issues. The top five most common replies will be put to the candidates and group leads for their response over the next month before election day to be posted online and in print.

Early poll results reveal that roads and infrastructure are among the most important issues flagged by residents, followed by a stronger commitment to renewable energies, a rejection of the proposed waste incinerator and better economic management.

Councils around the state were shaken up last year when it was announced - and then announced again - that the elections would be heavily delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year there will still be measures in place at polling booths around the region while residents are still able to vote by mail with pre-poll voting opening on Monday, November 22. Friday, December 3 is when pre-poll voting closes.