Thriving business and a strong community priority for Camden Haven candidate John Saunders

Mr Saunders, a former president of both the Chamber of Commerce and Laurieton Rotary Club, is running as an independent at the council elections which have been postponed until December 4.

He served on the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's Economic Development Board for five years and has championed for projects in the Camden Haven community over the last decade.

Mr Saunders helped kickstart the three pathway projects (Beach to Beach, Creek to Creek and Schools to Schools) to ensure the community had safe access to enjoy their local environment.

Upgrades to boat launching ramps and fishing tables at North Haven, the Marine Rescue in Laurieton, Dunbogan Reserve, several local roads projects and the refurbishment of the heritage-listed Holy Trinity Church and memorial plaque to honour the community's fundraising efforts in 2005-2006 as projects to celebrate.

Mr Saunders' family moved to Camden Head in 1978 from Sydney and his children and grandchildren have all grown up in the beachside community.

He first visited the area in 1955 as a child on holidays, and says he has seen many changes in that time through to his retirement in 2005.

Mr Saunders is a retired engineer and business manager and has owned and run building, manufacturing and retail businesses in Queensland, NSW and Victoria

"After 50 years in business I have earned a Master's Degree in common sense," he said.

He is also a past president and director of Marine Queensland, a large industry association with over 500 members.

"I look forward to meeting with as many members of the community as is possible between now and the elections to get a better understanding of their experiences with our current council and at the pre-poll booth at the Scout Hall in Laurieton the two weeks prior to the election," he said.