The 19-year-old said it was through his youthful lens and independence from the traditional parties which has him positioned to help re-fill the empty storefronts in Queanbeyan.

Mr Harper is throwing his hat in the ring for the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council elections in September, joining fellow volunteer firefighter Brent Hunter on a joint ticket.

“One thing we've noticed in the council that has operated over the last few years, it's divided and they haven't made progress on a lot of issues,” Mr Harper said.

He said the young and passionate team could offer a fresh perspective to the council.

“But also being able to get the old dogs to learn a few new tricks.”

The Gazman shop assistant said the main focus of his campaign was to support businesses in Queanbeyan through social media exposure.

"If you walk through Queanbeyan at the moment, there's up to 50 stores that are empty, as well as in Bungendore, Braidwood and the smaller towns,” Mr Harper said.

"We want to focus on bringing back local business and creating that fresh vibrant community atmosphere that we once had and is dissipating at the moment.”

His answer to those who say he’s too young for the responsibility to lead in the newly-merged council?

"It's a valid point, but what we can say is that we're new to this game, we don't have any bias, we don't have any kind of pre-conceived notions.

“We can go into issues and we can essentially have that fresh perspective in order to figure out a resolution that is best for the community and best for the future of this council.”