Local council elections in New South Wales (NSW) are set for Saturday, September 14, with over 5 million voters participating across 128 councils.

The elections follow a significant nomination error affecting 140 Liberal candidates across 16 councils, raising concerns about their impact on the election outcomes.

These local councils play a crucial role in managing essential services such as infrastructure, planning, and waste collection, making the elections vital for community governance.

Polling booths will be open from 8am to 6pm on election day, and early voting has already commenced, with results expected to begin rolling in shortly after polls close.

Initial election results will be available from 7pm on Saturday, but final results will not be confirmed until early October due to postal voting deadlines.

In North Sydney, the next mayor will oversee the opening of a troubled $89 million Olympic swimming pool redevelopment, with incumbent Mayor Zoe Baker seeking re-election.

Clover Moore is campaigning for a historic sixth term as lord mayor of Sydney, navigating a challenging environment influenced by current events like the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Nearly 60 candidates have endorsed a housing pledge advocating for increased housing density to improve affordability, reflecting a growing concern over housing issues.

Former Labor housing minister David Borger cautions that the election results may not accurately reflect public sentiment on housing policies due to the absence of Liberal candidates.

The Northern Beaches council is poised for significant changes, as the Liberal Party's failure to nominate candidates may benefit independents and Greens candidates.

Top officials are expressing concerns over unpredictable election outcomes, fearing potential shifts towards fringe or anti-development parties.

Premier Chris Minns has emphasized the need for change to address high housing costs and the outflow of young people from the region.