BONY Mountain resident Phil Buddle is no stranger to sitting in a council chamber.

After two years as a councillor and two years as the mayor of Uralla, he knows what it's like to serve the community.

Now, he' hoping his experience will guide him in his campaign to be elected to the Southern Downs Regional Council.

After an unsuccessful attempt at the 2012 mayoral election, Mr Buddle has decided to run as a councillor candidate in March.

In 2012 he gained almost 10% of the mayoral votes.

During the last election Mr Buddle campaigned heavily against rate rises - a passion he still holds today.

"Rates must be pegged, even reduced if possible," he said.

"I am aware of residential properties being rated at around $4000 per year.

Mr Buddle said paying as much as $80 a week in rates was excessive.

"Common sense dictates large debt cannot be serviced through the rate structure," he said.

The councillor candidate is also campaigning for the region to become more RV friendly.

"When a location is unfriendly people on the move will simply pass through," he said.

"The caravan park owners who have lobbied against RV friendly measures fail to see the 10% who stay in their parks along the way."

He also slammed the council for being "obstructive" by imposing "ridiculous fees" to allow camping at Sandy Creek.

An extension of the drag strip at Morgan Park is another issue on Mr Buddle's radar.

Mr Buddle and his partner, country music songbird Norma O'Hara Murphy have lived on the Southern Downs for the past 10 years.

In that time they established the Bony Mountain Country Music Folk Festival.

Mr Buddle is also the president and manager of the community radio station Rainbow FM in Warwick.

He has also served in a number of community groups, including Pratten Bony Mountain and Massive Rural Fire services.

Teaching is another of Mr Buddle's passions with an education career spanning more than 50 years.

While Mr Buddle has been part of the Save our Shire Action Group's candidate sessions, he said he is independent.

"I am my own person - it's just my thoughts that align with them," he said.

"I believe a brand new team for the Southern Downs could bring about great flow on results for all residents."

The councillor candidate will speak at a number of sessions across the region in the coming weeks.

RUNNING as a councillor candidate and can't see your name in the list?

Phone reporter Jayden Brown on 4660 1364 to announce your candidacy to the region.

About Phil Buddle

•  Taught at a number of schools in the area including Warwick and Clifton State High Schools
•  Worked as a sound engineer for a number of singers
•  Has an interest in rebuilding and maintaining computers
•  Experience in building and renovating homes