The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates about two thirds of the country’s residents will complete the August 9 census online.

West Wimmera Mayor Annette Jones about about 40 per cent of shire residents do not have internet access.

She said residents had the option to complete the census by hand, but they had to order their hard copy in advanced.

Cr Jones said council would look at ways they could help people complete the census.

“Council might open up sites where people could come and complete the census online, such as libraries or offices,” she said.

“But this would probably only be limited to Kaniva and Edenhope. 

”For those who do not have internet access, I understand that a hard copy can be obtained but it will need to be ordered.

“The contact details to order the hard copy are contained in the information letter that will be sent out to all households.”

Cr Jones said the census was a federal exercise, managed by an independent body. 

“I'm not sure how well informed they are and they are certainly making it difficult for people in remote areas,” she said.

“The reliability and time issues for letters sent via Australia Post is something we all encounter every time we post a letter.”

Cr Jones said residents who had not completed the Census would be visited between August 26 and September 18. 

“I would hope this would pick up on any households that had been unable to take the online or postal options,” she said.

“We want everyone to be counted in West Wimmera Shire to ensure that our population data is accurate.

“If there are errors we risk loosing out financially with various funding streams.”

However an Australian Bureau of Statistics spokesman said though this year’s census was digital-first, people could still complete a paper form.

“The purpose of the census is still to count everyone in Australia on census night – part of which means ensuring everyone is able to participate,” she said. 

“We understand some people might not wish to complete it online or might not be able to.

“So although we hope to achieve a 65 per cent online census completion rate, the traditional paper form will still be available to anyone who needs it. 

“They just need to call our dedicated paper form request service, available from Monday. 

“We'll then post them a paper form and a reply paid envelope to return their census.”

The spokesman said people could call 1300 280 275 to request a form.