Johannes Zietsman runs for election to Bundaberg council

A new election candidate has set firm goals for his Moore Park Beach community if elected on March 16: Value for money, public transport, beachfront amenities, Moore Park Beach Surf Club and no coal for Moore Park.

Johannes Zietsman is running for Division One of the Bundaberg Regional Council.

A candidate for the Moore Park Beach division of the Bundaberg Regional Council has set five clear goals for his community if elected at the March 16 local government election.

Johannes Zietsman is running for Division 1, after moving to Moore Park Beach three years ago. After being drawn to the region for its coastal atmosphere he says he has since noticed it is being left behind.

Through his business, food van Jaz Authentic South African Food, Mr Zietsman said he was able to connect with the concerns of his neighbours and those visiting the secluded tourist destination.

Backed by years of service to community groups including Lions and Rotary, Mr Zietsman said he decided it was time to bring those concerns to the forefront.

“Working with the community I can see that we don’t have the structure which should be there for us,” he said.

As part of his campaign, he is making five key promises: value for money, public transport, beachfront amenities, Moore Park Beach Surf Club and no coal for Moore Park.

Johannes Zietsman is running for Division One of the Bundaberg Regional Council.

He said he believed the people of Division 1 had not received their fair share, a factor that was contributing to the lack of lighting and beach front amenities suitable to the aging population of the area.

Limited public transport was leaving Moore Park Beach residents disconnected, especially those who may need public transport to attend their 9-5 jobs.

Additionally, while he understands the council has little say over the future of the surf club, he believes the land is leased by the council and if elected he promises to have a firmer say in the site’s future.

Mr Zietsman is clear on improving the future of the region, making it more accessible and desirable, and he opposes the proposed Fox mine, a stance he would carry proudly into the council chambers.

He hopes his clear promises to his region will set him apart and plans to put it into practice by changing the culture of the council.

“If you want to run for the council, you should have goals, if you campaign for the goals and find out from the community this is what they want to vote for that’s important,” he said.

“To me this council have it the wrong way around, we should consult the community first and then the council can make the decision on what the community wants.”

Originally published as Johannes Zietsman runs for election to Bundaberg council