At the last council election in September 2012, 16 people were listed for the nine positions.

Preferences will play an all-important role in the count, particularly as some candidates are standing as a group or also have preference arrangements with other individuals. 

The existing councillors, Tony Allen, Michael Britten, Russell Fitzpatrick, Kristy McBain, Liz Seckold, Sharon Tapscott and Bill Taylor are all seeking re-election. The Greens which were represented by Keith Hughes, have Cathy Griff, of Tanja, standing instead. 

For the southern part of the Bega Valley Shire, the new nominees are Peter Whiter, of Eden, Daryl Dobson, Fraser Buchanan, Robert Arthur, Brenda Edbrooke and Mitchell Nadin of Merimbula and Graham Lewis, of Tura Beach.

Other new nominees include Judith Geary of Bega, David Porter of Tathra, Joshua Shoobridge, of Kalaru, John Richardson of Wallagoot, Nathan Marshall, of Kamaruka, Anne Greenaway, of Barragga Bay, Jo Dodds, of Tarraganda, Wayne Marmont of Verona, and Carol Carmody, of Bermagui.

The election is on September 10.