The election date is set for May 18.

Northern Grampians Shire mayor Kevin Erwin said he wanted to see more federal funding for roads.

"Obviously we are always looking for additional roads funding - that will never change no matter who is in government," Cr Erwin said.

"We also need some money to support female participation with our sporting facilities.

"Another one - which is not necessarily a federal responsibility, but would be nice to see a federal government influence - is a rail service out our way.

"In general, we just want a government and local member that is supportive of our shire and community."

Ararat Rural City mayor Peter Beales named several key projects where he believes federal support and funding should increase.

"We haven't had a discussion among the councils to put anything on for the election," he said.

"But obviously we want to have meetings with the candidates for both the Liberal and Labor candidates for Wannon about the East Grampians Pipeline project, and the Western Highway.

"At the council business breakfast yesterday, the water board (GWMWater) presented their case for the pipeline and everyone was impressed with its potential."

Ongoing roads funding was also crucial, Cr Beales said.

"We always want money for the roads," he said.

"You can't rely on rates to keep the road network up-to-date because some of the vehicles on our roads are much bigger and heavier than they used to be, even 10 years ago." 

Candidates already announced for the seat of Wannon are Maurice Billi for Labor, Joshua Wallace for the United Australia Party, and incumbent Dan Tehan for the Liberal Party.

Mr Tehan has held the seat since 2010, and the Liberal party currently holds Wannon by a 9.2 per cent margin.

Mr Billi is a Stawell resident and was endorsed by the Labor Party in January.

In the 2018 State Election Mr Billi ran for pre-selection in Ripon but lost to Sarah De Santis.

He was subsequently selected as Labor's candidate for Lowan but lost to the Nationals' Emma Kealy.

Mr Wallace is a political newcomer from the Cobden area.

According to the United Australia Party's website, he has worked extensively in the dairy industry.

There is still time for candidates to declare their intentions. 

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