A growing number are jostling for spots on other Lower Hunter councils, but Maitland is in decline.

Only 57 candidates nominated for the September 13 poll, compared with 67 in 2004.

More women will be on this year’s ballot paper (28 compared with 23 in 2004) and the mayoral hopefuls have increased from three in 2004 to five.

But the biggest casualties are independent candidates.

This year’s independent numbers have been affected by the inclusion of Liberal-endorsed candidates, who ran previously without the party banner.

But, even allowing for the change, more potential independent councillors simply did not nominate.

Independent candidates account for 21 of the 57, or 37 per cent, compared with 42 of 67, or 62 per cent in 2004.

This means the council’s independent majority is under threat.

“I don’t have an answer for it,” Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore, an independent, said.

“It is increasingly difficult for independent councillors to run, particularly with new Department of Local Government legislation and the cost. Candidates have got to be mindful of so many things (so) people probably put it in the too hard basket.”

Cr Blackmore said he thought there would be more candidates running for a place on the council.

But he wasn’t surprised by the lower figure.

He said it could be a “sign of the times” when service clubs, sports organisations and charities were struggling to find volunteers because people were so busy.

“You could look at it that the majority of people are satisfied with the work the council is doing,” he said.

“On the other hand, they might not be bothered.”

Cr Steve Procter, an ardent independent and a candidate in north ward, was confident an independent would be elected in each ward.

But the inclusion of Liberal-endorsed candidates and the preferencing agreements between Labor and the Greens could mean the end of the current independent majority.

“If we’re going to pre-empt the result, I think we’ll get a conservative majority,” he said.

“I am the only independent candidate in north ward, and I would like to think that’s because I’m doing a good job.

“I can only offer more of the same. I’m not going to make any promises or pledges that I can’t deliver.”