Purnim's Bill Robinson stands to join Moyne Shire Council at 2020 election

His son Sandy, a former VFL player, has now taken over management of their grazing property Woodlawn, giving Mr Robinson opportunity to serve Moyne Shire if successful at October's council elections.

"I have a little bit of spare time and still have a bit of energy left and I want to put something back into the community," he said.

Mr Robinson has thought about becoming a councillor for "years", but last week decided to stand.

He sees his candidacy as spreading representation wider across the shire.

"Because Moyne is a rural shire it must have good representation throughout the shire to represent that agricultural industry. It is a very important part of the Victorian economy," Mr Robinson said.

Mr Robinson knows roads are always forefront in ratepayers' minds, and believes both council and state roads need better maintenance.

"If you are a primary producing shire there is a lot of produce to come in and move around," he said.

"I understand the problems associated with living out in the country, but I have an open mind when I look at all issues, whether at Port Fairy, Macarthur or Peterborough."

Mr Robinson said his focus was also on how the region could bounce back from the coronavirus fallout.

"I think you have to be on the front foot if there's grants or money available to get for constructive projects," he said.

"The other thing is it could be a win for tourism, a lot of people will spend their holiday money travelling within Australia."

Mr Robinson said that could also involve catering for the infrastructure and service requirements of an bigger population moving away from metropolitan areas after the pandemic.

"The little issues are important but they can be dealt with. Look at the big picture too, the future," he said.

Five of the seven sitting Moyne Shire councillors are putting their hands up to run again, while new candidates Karen Foster, Damian Gleeson, Genevieve Grant and Penny Iddon are also standing.

Candidate nominations close Tuesday September 26, and voting will close 6pm Friday October 23.

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