MORE than half of Colac’s civic leaders are yet to decide if they will be candidates at the next council election.

Colac Otway Shire councillors Frank Buchanan and Stephen Hart are set to contest October’s election, while Chris Smith, Stuart Hart and Brian Crook are undecided.

Cr Lyn Russell said she would make a decision around the end of June while Geoff Higgins is the only councillor who said he would not stand for re-election.

Cr Russell said she had also given advice to “a couple” of Colac and district women interested in nominating for council, but they were yet to confirm their intentions.

Colac businessman Richard Riordan said he was interested in nominating for the election, and he would weigh up his family and other commitments before deciding.

Friends of Colac Library member Paul David Cross said he would be a candidate for the election on October 27.

Mr Cross, of Colac, said he would ask the council to activate an “exit clause” in its agreement with Colac’s joint-use library if he became a councillor.

He said he would also aim to represent the community’s views.

“If someone comes to me with an issue, I will take it to the council, I will speak about it openly in the public council meeting,” he said.

“I will do my best. If I’m not elected, I’m not elected.”

Former Otway Business Inc president Anthony McDonald and Liberal Party branch president Virginia Wallace both said they would not contend the council election.

Nominations will be open from September 20 to 25.