In the lead-up to Saturday's council elections, the NewsMail asked the candidates three questions:

1 Name three issues, specific to your division, that you will aim to fix during your term if elected and how you will do so?

2 One consistent complaint from residents is that rates are too high. Do you agree that rates are too high? If yes, what policies will you try introduce to keep rates at an affordable level? In your opinion, what percentage increase is fair?

3 Finish this sentence. Vote for me on March 19 because...

LYNNE FORGAN

1 I will ensure the continuation of paths and cycleways throughout Division 10, and the region. The multi-model pathway strategy needs priority, and therefore there has to be a reprioritising of the budget.
I will continue working with and Queensland Education to deliver a safe set-down area at Walkervale State School.
I will advocate for better maintenance of roads and working on drainage issues in Division 10.
It is essential to maintain open communication between the community and council. This can be achieved with dedication and commitment, ensuring we maintain a cohesive, progressive community.
A priority is to continue to find ways to encourage economic growth and business expansion, in turn creating jobs. Bundaberg is a great region with wonderful prospects. I am committed to working together to achieve the best outcomes for the region as a whole.

2 Keeping rates as low as possible has always been a challenge. Natural disasters, ageing infrastructure and changes to State Government funding have impacted on our community, and council's budget.
Sustainable economic growth and business development are essential for our region's prosperity and growth, creating jobs for local people. Community growth increases our rate base which lessons the impact on all ratepayers by spreading the costs.
As the councillor for Division 10, I will continue to fight to ensure our rates are kept as low as possible, while maintaining servicess of the Bundaberg Region.

3 I stand on my integrity and track record of getting the job done, delivering for the people of Division 10 and the region. I am an experienced councillor, with 32 years business experience, along with my community involvement. I know how to give of my time for the betterment of the community, and I am passionate in what I do. For me, it is about giving something back to the community. It is important to maintain experience and commitment within council to continue striving for the betterment of our region.

THERESA PASCOE

1 Accessibility: Many of the residents have commented that they do not believe that they have easy access to their council representative. I will ensure that I make myself available to my constituents.
One aspect of this will be conducting a regular mobile office in a public location in the local area. By being available to meet and listen to residents, problems can be identified and rectified much quicker.
Drainage, footpaths, roads and waste collection: Residents have identified significant issues with drainage in some areas that have been ignored.
The improvement of drainage and also basic infrastructure (footpaths and local road damage) is important and needs to be considered within the annual budget.
Green waste continues to be a topical issue: I will work with the other council members to see a structure bought in to replace the current free dump days with a system that is easily accessible and more convenient, for example, the feasibility of a voucher system issued in conjunction with rate notices.

2 I believe that rates are too high and are negatively impacting on our community.
People want to see value for their rates. If elected, one of the first areas I want to look at are the current practices and processes of council (from the elected representatives through to the employees) and if these can be streamlined and improved.
Given current debt levels and future projected levels significant savings must be found to control rate rises. I strongly believe council must endeavour to operate within its means.

3 It is time for a fresh voice on council representing the people of Division 10.
A voice that represents the people of Division 10.
A voice that will not take the position for granted and will continually strive to work with the people to improve our area.
I want to see people reconnect with our council and its representatives.
It is through this connection that people begin to feel our council is there to work for and with them.

PETER HUESER

1 Three of the main issues identified by residents are drainage, roads and multi-purpose pathways.
Driving heavy rainfall drainage is a common problem across division 10. Especially older areas as there had been a lack of maintenance to the drainage infrastructure in Division 10. During heavy rain poor drainage causes flooding. A high priority of mine is funding and maintenance of all drainage systems.
We need to get back to basics, improve roadworks and traffic flows. I intend to advocate to increase the council maintenance budget to ensure basic services are provided and maintained. I plan to examine how upgrades can be facilitated.
A common concern is multi-purpose pathways. There is a need for multi-purpose pathways in Division 10. We need to develop a long-term strategic affordable plan for pathways. I plan to examine how upgrades throughout Division 10 can be facilitated and improve the functioning of systems throughout Division 10.

2 Rates are too high. Unnecessary spending and waste drives up rates. I would ask for a review of management practices and an efficiency audit to address excessive and unnecessary expenditure and waste.
I plan to endeavour to examine how we can give ratepayers better value and services.
I will endeavour to lobby to keep rates at the CPI level. Rates need to be affordable to ratepayers.

3 I will provide strong representation for Division 10. I am available to listen and hear your concerns and needs. I will communicate with the community for the community. I am promoting affordable living and encouraging economic growth, development, business expansion, increased employment and prosperity for the Bundaberg region. I have acquired knowledge through my work history with legislation, employment government programmes and area knowledge which are beneficial for council work. I am a long term resident of Division 10 in which I live. Totally independent with no affiliation to any political party.

CRYSTAL JONES

1 Road safety issues: Many people have raised concerns with me about road issues around the division. Some of these are on roads that parents and children use for getting to school. Hurst St and McCarthy Rd can be terrible places for hooning and speeding at all hours. Trucks are also back on McCarthy Rd and we need to be asking why since the Ring Road was built to help take them off it. I'd also like better pathways for school routes to encourage healthier lifestyles.
 The pick-up area for Walkervale school: Residents have mentioned their fears about the safety of the school drop-off and pick-up area of Walkervale State School. One of my first priorities will be to see what can be done to make it safer.
 Community greening: I'd love to find a suitable location for a long-term community gardening project similar to the food plants at South Bank in Brisbane. There's no reason we couldn't have an orchard with fruiting trees and garden produce to be fairly shared among locals. Plus people would be getting active and eating healthy.

2 Yes, rates are very high. in Bundaberg and Pensioners should receive more of a discount that should rise with rates increases. I believe rate increases could be minimised by encouraging industries like tourism that can pour fresh money into our region rather on relying so much on rates.
3 I'm real. It's been my dream to run for council but I waited until I felt I had a strong understanding of issues before putting myself in that position.
I'm a genuine person not backed by any political group. I'll work hard and genuinely with compassion. I don't believe I am above anyone else in the community and any councillor who acts like they are doesn't deserve the job. I'm old enough to understand life and the community but young enough to act with energy and enthusiasm.
I am the best candidate and look forward to representing, communicating with and taking good care of our community; ensuring growth, jobs and industries flourish while the everyday people get on with living a better life.
And don't forget I'm passionate about bringing back kerbside clean-ups.