After suffering from prostate cancer earlier this year Cr Allen said that he wasn’t sure whether he would stand again.

“My doctor told me that for all intents and purposes the cancer has gone, but I still need to have regular checks over the next 12 months,” Cr Allen said.

“I am feeling really well and happy with my progress and looking forward to contesting the election.”

Cr Allen said there were a large number of major projects proposed in the shire that may not ever be seen again, and he would like to see them through to fruition.

“Council has been working closely with both the Federal and State Governments for the benefit of the region and hopefully we will have all these projects finalised soon,” he said.

Cr Allen said while voters would make up their own minds about who to elect, some degree of continuity was important so as to keep “the lines of dialogue open between all parties concerned with all projects”.

The council election will be held on Saturday, September 13 with nominations closing on August 13.