THE Captains Flat community will be well represented on the new look Palerang Council with two locals elected into the new term.
With a population of about 400 people, it is an impressive result for the candidates Peter Marshall of the Community First Group and Trevor Hicks of the Palerang Progress Party. The men were up against candidates from areas like Braidwood, Wamboin, Bungendore and Mulloon.
Mr Hicks is 46-years-old and this is his first tilt at politics, in fact, it is the first time he has even considered it.
He was inspired because he believed Captains Flat had been neglected by council for the last few years.
The state of Captains Flat Road was a major issue for him. After there were three accidents on the stretch of road he decided to run.
"Captains Flat is a great little community but we pay more in rates than they do in Jerrabomberra. It's got a lot of character but that road is terrible. So someone had to stand up ... It's only going to get worse if something isn't done," he said.
Other big issues include Council's reluctance to replace two bridges that are badly dilapidated.
However, Mr Hicks sees himself as a representative for all of Palerang and has strong community ties.
"There are a lot of issues that need to be looked at out in Braidwood and they're trying to get their sporting facilities upgraded in Bungendore," he said.
"The whole area is in need of change. Hopefully with the new Council in place we can make that happen."
It is also Mr Marshall's first run for local government; he has lived in the area since 2002 and decided to take the plunge after years of involvement with community organisations like the Rural Fire Service and Council Section 355 Committees in Captains Flat.
"Running for Council seemed like the next step in serving the community," he said. "But it doesn't mean I have my sights set higher - we'll see how I perform as a councillor first."
Mr Marshall hopes to work towards a more transparent and consultative council.
"This means talking to residents and listening to them...,"he said. "Residents need to be consulted before important decisions are made; it's no good deciding and then waiting to see how loudly people protest."