WHEN her son left Bundaberg in order to find an apprenticeship Helen Blackburn realised things needed to change.

Ms Blackburn has put her hand up to run for the Division 4 seat on Bundaberg Regional Council this year and will campaign on industry, tourism and development.

She said these three building blocks could hold the key to unlocking the region's full potential and provide young people with a strong incentive to stay.

"These three areas are specifically important to Bundaberg as they are areas that are both existing and have much room to be expanded upon," she said.

"These key areas mean more innovation, more jobs and more growth for our region benefiting everyone.

"I would be a champion for these key areas and would definitely make these issues known among the council if elected on March 19."

Ms Blackburn said she would work hard to ensure appropriately resourced flood evacuation centres were in place.

"It's especially important that residents of flood affected areas can evacuate their homes without having to also stress over the welfare of their families during natural disasters," she said.

Ms Blackburn's other initiatives include: the flying of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at the main council offices, reductions in council overall costs through sound decisions and a stabilisation of rates, with no further increases in the next term of council.

"For too long I have witnessed potential council funding wasted on decisions that fail to pass the test of the average ratepayer."

For more information visit www.votehelen.com or facebook.com/helenblackburn4div4.