BUNDABERG cane grower Tony Castro is running for council.

"I am declaring my candidacy for Division 6 of Bundaberg Regional Council committing to work with other councillors as a team to promote and enhance the region's economic sustainability," he said. 

"I believe there has never been a greater need as at present for a council to work more proactively with industries and their representative organisations to boost our local economy to provide employment for locals and prosperity for the region.

"Whilst I am committed to being a strong advocate of the residents of Division 6, I would also take on the role of representing everyone in the Bundaberg Regional Council area.

"Our region covers a large area and everyone is entitled to the same level of services and standards especially roads and drainage outside of the main populous areas within our region.

"The new council has to work with the main industries within our region to see what is needed, to work together to enhance our region's economy.

"I believe that our council needs to work more closely with state and federal government agencies to identify opportunities for our region and with the Gladstone Ports Corporation to make more use of our port and its surrounds. Our port is a valuable asset for our region and more work needs to be done to enhance its use.

"The mining boom is over so the council's focus needs to be directed elsewhere.

"I have lived in Bundaberg all my life and I like others share a passion to see Bundaberg grow and prosper. I am a local cane grower and serve the interests of the local cane growers as a director of Bundaberg Canegrowers and for a while I was also a director of Canegrowers Queensland.

"I am also a director of a large sports club and of Clubs Queensland.

"In my spare time I doing community service work with a local Rotary Club.

"I intend to meet people to hear their concerns and the issues that they feel need to be addressed for the future prosperity of the Bundaberg region."