The countdown clock has started for the 2024 Local Council Elections. In seven weeks, residents in the Lismore LGA will head to the polls to select a new mayor and ten councillors.

The Lismore election is hotting up with a surprise mayoral nomination, a former councillor nominating for council again and a new horse in the race for mayor and councillor as an independent.

On May 28, The Lismore Greens announced their ticket of potential Lismore City Councillors, Binnie O'Dwyer, Virginia Waters, Luke Robinson, Lindall Watson, Adam Guise and Shae Salmon. At that time, 20-year councillor Vanessa Ekins's name was not on the ticket.

In a shock announcement at Cr Ekins's 20-Year celebration dinner on Saturday night, she was announced as The Greens mayoral candidate.

"Tonight, I announced that I am here for Lismore, running for Mayor, ready to listen to businesses, families and community. I stand for community-focused leadership. Our community has faced unprecedented challenges. Now is the time to rebuild, renew and revive Lismore," Cr Ekins wrote on her Facebook page.

Cr Ekins told the Lismore App, "We have an exceptional team of dedicated people running for council. I am running for mayor after overwhelming requests from people wanting community-focused leadership."

It is an interesting strategy from The Lismore Greens as they try to maintain two council seats following the September 14 election.

The declaration of Councillor (Cr) Elly Bird not to stand for re-election may well have influenced the decision for Cr Ekins to run for mayor, where Steve Krieg is an overwhelming favourite to be re-elected for a second term.

Former councillor Gianpiero Battista's name has appeared on the Register of Candidates. His political party affiliation is blank, which means he is running as an independent. He has not nominated himself for mayor. When the Lismore App approached Mr Battista, his reply was, "I can't say anything yet, but more than happy to chat next week."

Watch this space.

John Jenkins is another name to have appeared on the Register of Candidates.

Mr Jenkins does not have the profile of Steve Krieg, Vanessa Ekins or Big Rob, but he put his hand up for both Mayor of Lismore and to be a councillor.

Mr Jenkins's LinkedIn page says he is a 'Higher Education Consultant with extensive experience in senior academic management, corporate governance and academic governance.' He has also been the coach of the Wollongbar Alstonville Rugby Club and the Under 18 Marist Brothers Rams.

With seven weeks to go until Lismore heads to the polling booths, how many more surprises will we get?

We know the Steve Krieg ticket is yet to be announced. Mayor Krieg told the Lismore App in his latest Talking Lismore Podcast that he will be running for mayor again. Crs Andrew Gordon, Andrew Bing, Electra Jensen and Jerri Hall have all publicly declared they will run for a second term under the Steve Krieg ticket.

Formal nominations need to be lodged by 12 midday Wednesday, August 14.

For those contemplating becoming a Lismore City Councillor, and adding another surprise to the list of candidates, there is a Candidate Information Session this Wednesday, July 31 at 5:30pm at Council Chambers in Goonellabah.

The session will cover:

• Standing for Election
• The Role of Councils and Councillors
• Leadership and Professional Development
• Next Steps for Candidates

There will also be some information specific to Lismore around time commitments and dates.

The session will also be streamed online. Bookings are essential. To book, call Council on (02) 6625 0500.