DIVISION 9 candidate Simon Obst has a real drive to establish consistency, clarity and transparency within a new look Bundaberg Regional Council.

"As a council we need to look forward to our future, not dwell on past mistakes, it is important to be consultative with the community we represent, giving the community the opportunity to influence the direction of the council and the region."

The former tradesman, forensic police officer and vocational education teacher has lived in the Bundaberg / Wide Bay Region most of his life, with exception some years spent in North Queensland.

Simon returned to Bundaberg in 1998 with his family to serve his community as a forensic crime scene investigator until 2006.

"This work has given me good connections within our community which will enable me to be an effective councillor.

"I bring a unique perspective of the wide range of demographics in the Bundaberg region from my work in policing, in education and training of unemployed youth and my current work in the fruit and vegetable packaging industry".

"I have been able to see the region at its worst and best during my time here.

"However I still believe we have a great region that is worth fighting for, not only for us, but our children's children.

"I am sure there will be difficult decisions to be made impacting on the community.

"However, communication and consultation needs to be our priority. If we do that well, we will have a community that feels heard and a community that understands how decisions are made.

"We will have a council that seeks to understand, a council that works positively with the best interest of the all in the region.

Simon believes our region has slowly been de-industrialised over many years and has lost much of its skilled workforce.

"We need to ensure the council looks at every opportunity for growth in our industrial sector and consider linking like industries together to create partnerships that will benefit the region financially, and in sustainable employment."

"Our young people are our future so we need to think further than a few years down the track. My vision for the future is of a Bundaberg that is a leader in innovation and prosperity."