AS A dairy farmer who has faced the power of drought, Scott Christensen knows how tough it can be for Southern Downs producers.

The Allora farmer is keeping agriculture high on his priorities as he heads into the Southern Downs council election as a councillor candidate.

Mr Christensen, a born-and-bred Southern Downs local, said he was motivated to run for council to help the region recover from debt.

"I believe it's necessary to improve in that area and provide more sustainability for future generations," he said.

It has been several years since the Christensens were forced to sell up their dairy herd after a struggle with drought on their 200-hectare property.

"Being a representative on the local drought committee for the Queensland Dairy Organisation I hear first hand issues relating to drought and how the agricultural sector is coping," Mr Christensen said.

"This in turn reflects how the local economy is suffering in the outlying areas," he said.

The councillor candidate said he believed the Southern Downs was "first and foremost" an agricultural community and that needed to be recognised.

"We're an agricultural community dependent on all types of agriculture to support the towns, this support needs to be recognised and returned to the community," he said.

Tourism is also something Mr Christensen believes needs more focus in the region.

"Promoting the tourism industry in the region would help stimulate the local economy and inject financial stability into the region," he said.

"This would allow the council room to concentrate on other pressing matters such as improving services to ratepayers."

Mr Christensen and his wife of 24 years Bronwyn have been involved with the community in various forms over the years.

The councillor candidate served as the president of the Allora Landcare committee.

He believes communication is the key for the council.

"I want to communicate more with the community to make decisions to best represent the interest of residents," he said.

"We should promote local businesses to keep revenue within the Southern Downs.

"We should be encouraging future families to call this great place home and make it prosperous for generations to come."