The NSW Government’s amalgamation policy means those local government areas subject to merger will not have a poll this time around.

Perhaps relishing they still have the right to vote, Eurobodalla ratepayers have registered as candidates in droves.

It would be a big Melbourne Cup field indeed that would have 55 starters, yet that is how many prospective candidates for the role of councillor have lined up for next month’s vote.

A bunch more missed out on entering the barrier.

The role of mayor is similarly hotly contested, with 10 hopefuls casting their hats into the ring.

Just like the last round of voting, four years ago, the NSW Electoral Commission rules and technicalities have stymied some ambitions.

Back in 2012, a hot favourite for the role of mayor was pipped at the post, only to find the consolation prize of the role of counsellor was also denied him, as not enough attention was paid to that part of the campaign.

An embarrassing technicality also ruled out a large swathe of candidates on the Community Action Alliance ticket this year, when it was discovered a nominating person was not actually on the roll.

If getting past the first hurdle of running for local government is difficult, imagine the hurdles that exist when successful candidates actually enter the Moruya chambers.

As many found in this four-year term, speaking about policy is so much harder than enacting it.

Local government truly is leadership by committee and it remains a numbers game.

Without the numbers in the first place, or the ability to win hearts and minds in the chamber, nothing can be achieved.

Reform is never as easy as it sounds and numbers – particularly those counted in dollars and cents – have a habit of defeating the best of intentions.

The experience of the split and now defunct Eurbodalla Ratepayers Association is a case in point.

Voters in the Eurobodalla, for the moment, retain the right to have their say over who will spend our rates and how.

Consider carefully not just the policies of who you vote for, but whether they will be effective in the mother of all committees.