WANTING to change "the culture" within Southern Downs Regional Council, Kim Olsen has confirmed he will run for mayor at the next council elections in March.

Mr Olsen - who has previously served on the former Warwick Shire Council - said he had a few changes he'd like to see council undergo, which would only be possible if he was mayor.

"I'm looking for reform and a gentle kind of changing the culture of council," he said.

"I want to have them enjoy their own work and working as a team. I don't think I can do that as councillor.

"Leadership can make the difference - I'm not saying council has done badly but I feel it could be better."

Mr Olsen said he had experience as a leader from previous work posts, including managing 120 employees at the cement mills.

He reaffirmed his wish to have a collective voice for the entire region but said since his last announcement, he wasn't sure whether councillors could be assigned to areas.

"I still think someone could make contact with a certain area and report back," he said.

"We all have to represent the region."

With Cr Ross Bartley questioning the number of in-camera meetings recently, Mr Olsen said he thought closed meetings necessary at times.

"I think there are times when something should be held back for many reasons but generally I think we shouldn't hide anything," he said.

"(Closed meetings) might signify dissent within council and mean they want to present a unified front, which is good.

"If people have high emotions about something, they might be working it out in private but generally I don't think people should hide their opinions."

He said parking problems at State Government institutions such as the Warwick Hospital and Glennie Heights State School should remain a state, not a council, issue, but was doubtful as to whether the support would arrive.

Asked what his view was about the surprise dismissal of economic development officer John Randall, the mayoral contender said he couldn't comment on what he wasn't informed about.

"I don't know anything about it but I believe council would have acted in good faith," he said.

Until the elections in March, Mr Olsen said he would continue gathering feedback and listening to ratepayers' worries.

"I've had a lot of interesting things raised with me; too many to mention," he said.

Mr Olsen can be contacted via his website www.kimolsen.net.