Ian Ward to run for Bundaberg Regional Council Division 4 seat

A Bundaberg retiree with a new lease on life has said he will bring back common sense to the Bundaberg Regional Council if voted in next year.

Ian Ward is running for the Division 4 seat of the Bundaberg Regional Council.

Bundaberg retiree Ian Ward has announced his official run towards the 2024 Bundaberg Regional Council election, putting his name on the ballot for the Division 4 seat.

A born and bred local, Mr Ward said he has found a new lease on life since retiring 13 years ago and wants to bring common sense to a council which he believes has become too political.

“I don’t like politics being involved in local government,” he said.

“Things are not transparent, which they should be, decisions are being made behind the scenes and I think that is a sad indictment against the councillors that won’t make a stand.”

Many in the region may recognise Mr Ward as a devoted former production manager for the NewsMail, a role he spent much of his professional career in before being promoted to the Sunshine Coast Daily.

He said the challenges of the industry forged him into a people person, with a determination to get the best end result for his community.

His foray into local government would be backed by a family history including relative Clifford Neilson who served as the Bundaberg mayor between 1958 and 1984.

The decision to run for the Division 4 seat, currently held by councillor Tracey McPhee, comes from a desire to tackle the big issues in the heart of Bundaberg.

“I’ve always been frustrated with the fact of cars up the main street,” he said.

“It stops people from going up the main street, which inhibits business.”

Much of Mr Ward’s campaign also comes from a desire to bring transparency back into daily council business.

“I went to the last council meeting and I was so disappointed in a number of people because … they’re just gutless,” he said.

“They want to be honest, but there’s times when you just gotta make the stand.”

The Bundaberg Regional Council elections will be held on Saturday, March 16 2024.

Originally published as Ian Ward to run for Bundaberg Regional Council Division 4 seat