TRACEY Jackson has put her hand up for Division 8, saying she is "shocked how this council operates".

"Committing to projects ratepayers can't afford, huge rates increases, service reductions, not doing the work right the first time, poor communication, poor planning decisions - I've never seen anything like it," Ms Jackson said.

"Last year's budget included proposals to borrow $65 million over three years (reaching $141m) and showed council's net financial liabilities ratio would exceed 60% for the next four years, meaning limited capacity to borrow more.

"Those proposals were just plain crazy and unsustainable in a region where over 21% of residents are 65-plus, unemployment is around 11% (20% for youth), nearly 20% earn less than $21,000 per annum and nearly 70% earn less than $60,000 per annum.

Ms Jackson said there was no simple solution to the region's problems

"We need a multi-pronged approach," she said.

"Our top priorities have to be getting debt under control while providing the essential services our ratepayers are entitled to expect.

"I don't care what anyone says, council's financial position isn't sustainable if it has to rely on exorbitant, annual increases in rates and charges and reduced service delivery.

"We need expert, independent advice on council's financial position ... so we can make informed decisions about should be done to turn things around.

Ms Jackson grew up in a working class family in Childers and was the first person in her mother's family to go to university - she did law.

She said she worked for the State Government for more than 20 years, often in management.

"I dealt with my director-general and minister's office daily and often represented them in meetings with stakeholders," she said.

"After leaving government, I worked for a mining and infrastructure company."

She moved back to the region 18 months ago and is taking on Deputy Mayor David Batt.