ONE of Bundaberg Regional Council's own long term staff will run as a candidate for Division 6 in the upcoming local government election in March next year.

May Mitchell says local government and public contact has been a large part of her working life. 

Ms Mitchell says she started in local government nearly 30 years ago and has experience across four councils (Mt Isa -2 years, Thuringowa (in Townsville 9 years, Bundaberg city 11 years and Bundaberg regional nearing 8 years) including close to 19 years in rates/revenue here in Bundaberg.

"Bundaberg's liveability and affordability has to be maintained," she said.

"We have a large proportion of pensioners who need to know that their lifestyle is sustainable. 

"Same for self-funded retirees and families. 

"Increases to rates and fees have to be minimal. 

"Service levels shouldn't be dropped.  

"It's not easy for council with reduced funding and ongoing environmental commitments, but it's not impossible.

"I want people in the Bundaberg Regional Council area and especially Division 6 residents to feel confident that they can have a representative who is going to listen to them and seek consultation from the community, respect their ideas and address their concerns. 

"I want to give residents a representative who shows they value local businesses. 

"That they value a local workforce and who demonstrates a commitment to both; which benefits the whole community.

Listen, consult, value.  It's that simple."

May moved to Bundaberg with her family 21 years ago following what was meant to be a short visit and said she has never regretted it. 

"Bundaberg and the regional centres are great places.  A city of achievers," she said.

"We have world recognition because of Bert Hinkler, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Bundaberg Rum and the Mon Repos Turtle Rookery.

"In recent times we've produced world class athletes in hockey, cycling, archery, soccer and pro BMX.

"We have an abundance of quality boutiques and good cafes - even awarded the best in Queensland.

"Bundaberg has excellent independent commercial and industrial businesses.

"After the 2013 floods The United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction produced a report titled Business and Disaster Risk Reduction, Good Practices and Case Studies, First Edition 2013. 

"That report credits good design and a noise reduction embankment for preventing flooding of The Lakes Retirement Village in Bundaberg North. 

"This was a local developer and a local engineering firm. 

"And throughout the entire 10 year project the skills of a local surveying company were utilised.

Support local. That's my message"

Ms Mitchell said it was important to listen to people in the community. 

"Listen, consult, value.  We can learn a lot from taking notice of community sentiment and what the community has to say," she said. 

May is taking extended leave away from the office from early January 2016 to concentrate on her campaign and will be door knocking as many residences as possible until March 19 in Division 6;  which takes in whole or parts of  Burnett Heads, Innes Park, Coral Cove, Riverview, Elliott Heads, Calavos, Windermere, Woongarra, Qunaba (The Hummock), Rubyanna and Mon Repos. 

She'll be listening for what ratepayers and residents want from their rep and their council for the next four years while continuing her participation in cycling, Toastmasters and other social fitness pursuits.