ALTHOUGH it is the Northern electorate with the smallest number of voters - 776 - the Flinders Island Council election will be no less interesting.
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Postal voting in the Tasmanian local government elections got under way today and will close on October 28.
Twelve candidates have put up their hand for the seven spots on council, with two people - incumbent Carol Cox and Gerald Willis running for mayor and three - Marc Cobham, Peter Rhodes and incumbent David Williams chasing the deputy position.
Council has a strong role in supporting a vibrant social fabric that encourages people to live here.
The Flinders Island electorate takes in Cape Barren Island and more than 60 other islands that are part of the Furneaux Group, with the population of the two largest, Flinders and Cape Barren, totaling about 800.
Most recently Flinders Island has been in the news over the future of its shipping service, following a stoush between TasPorts and Bridport-based company Furneaux Freight.
Mayor Carol Cox has been on the council since 2000 and has been in the top position since 2007.
Her priorities for the next four years are broad, yet directly impact on the unique situation of island living and she was against any council amalgamation.
"The islands have a small population, with an economy based on high quality agricultural produce and tourism with public sector support and council has a strong role in supporting a vibrant social fabric that encourages people to live here," she said.
Cr Cox said it was important to find a balance between regulations developed for highly populated areas and island life, for example the introduction of the statewide planning scheme.
She also wants to encourage innovative investment in niche products and lobby for improved communications.
Cr Gerald Willis, who was first elected to council in 2011, is challenging for the top job.
He has six particular issues of concern for the electorate, most of which are crucial to island living.
Cr Willis wants to see planning guidelines improved for residents and developers, and sees the current state government overhaul of the scheme as almost a duplication of the last.
He also has particular concerns for the access and export of goods from the islands, so hopes to lobby for an improvement of the airport infrastructure and concerns of shipping abated.
Tighter quarantine regulations were also important to tackle, particularly against small private aircraft landing on the island and improved telecommunications with better radio and television reception, as well as mobile phone coverage.