NEWCOMER Jacob O'Hare has entered Wagga City Council election race after seeing little action on the problems plaguing Lake Albert.
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The 23-year-old made it his mission to save the lake at the young age of 12.
Now, more than a decade later, Mr O'Hare said he wanted to bring a new voice to the council as one of the "youngest potential candidates" at this year's election.
"It should be Wagga's biggest draw point like Lake Talbot in Narrandera and Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, they are incredible things," he said. "I understand there are a lot of issues with Lake Albert regarding why it hasn't been fixed, but I would like to see if I can do something."
The retail worker intends to focus on finding solutions for youth issues, ranging from unemployment to crime. He said a 24-hour youth centre could give young people a place to go that acts like a safe haven.
"I was unemployed. It was a terrible time and [I] completely understand how young people feel about having the ability to get a job," he said.
"[A youth centre] could get youth off the streets as well ... It could potentially stop vandalism, break-ins."
Mr O'Hare said the city was in a prime location, half-way between two capital cities, but there needs to be more reasons to visit Wagga.
"The Masters building - vacant, an Ikea, it's a perfect hand-in-hand fit. It's already the right colour. Why isn't there a water park at the river anymore? A pretty controversial topic, a casino," he said.
Mr O'Hare said there was a "one way vision" in the council and it is time to step back and look at issues from a different perspective.
While he expected his young age to make it more of a challenge, he said he wanted to try regardless.
"For me age and experience don't come hand in hand," he said. "Just because you're old, it doesn't mean you have more experience than me at 23.
"I have been through a hell of a tough time that ... people who are double my age wouldn't have been through. It has really opened my eyes and made me mature as a young man. It could be a challenge, but I am going to give it a go."
Mr O'Hare said diversity at the councillors' table was important, but it should also come down to electing people who will make a positive impact on Wagga.
"I am here to promote change and that is what I am going to do," he said.