QUEENSLAND has just recorded its highest number of female candidates vying for a position on local government.

The Fraser Coast region did not.

In 2016 just six women put their hands up for a divisional seat and Jannean Dean made up the sole female candidate for mayor.

Of those who ran, former Member for Maryborough Anne Maddern, is the only candidate in serious contention of winning her race.

We also only had two candidates of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

If the tally does not come back in Ms Maddern's favour, the region could face another four years with an entirely white, male council.

I find it entirely disheartening to face the prospect of four years without a single minority voice in local government.

Voters should not let someone's gender or racial background sway their vote - more is needed to make a good councillor.

But, as the results have been coming in, I have become increasingly disappointed with how few women and people of other than white backgrounds felt comfortable putting their hands up.

On the Fraser Coast we have some incredibly talented women who did not put their hand up and extremely accomplished Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

I don't blame them, after seeing the vitriol faced by female politicians such as Julia Gillard, Nova Peris and Annastacia Palaszczuk it would be incredibly hard to put yourself out there.

Over the next four years, let's make it our goal on the Fraser Coast to ensure strong women and tough Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are confident putting their name forward.