Clinton Booth planned to surprise people with his late nomination for the Katherine election.
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His plan succeeded.
But even Clinton was surprised to pull an election rabbit out the hat by winning the coveted number one spot on the ballot paper.
"I never thought I could win (the election) ... I was just trying to set the cat among the pigeons," he said.
"But now after taking the top spot, and talking to many, many people about my ideas for Katherine, maybe I am a chance after all."
Mr Booth, 77, twice stood for One Nation in the Queensland elections in 2001 and 2004 and one time very nearly won.
The Katherine school bus driver said CLP and Territory Alliance were splitting the conservative vote and Labor was not popular.
"I am really just happy to give some ideas for Katherine a chance to be heard," he said.
"All my policies are about Katherine, I am standing as an independent for Katherine, I am not interested in anywhere else."
Mr Booth said even without the support of a political party and having to do all the finance and electioneering solo, he was buoyed by immediate support.
"People are not happy with the major political parties, that's for certain.
"I left my run late because I did not to encourage a heap of other independents to stand as well," he said.
His key election platforms include:
- Designated school bus shelters for children.
- Aged care course and diploma training in high schools for aged care industry work.
- Access for over 65's in accident compensation.
- Truancy officers - a high profile presence to encourage more children to attend school.
- Recreation lake for Katherine, stocked with fish.
- Strategic planning for flood levees along the bank of the Katherine River not through the town. "Too many promises, no action."
- More public housing, plus an education program for tenants.
- Heavy vehicle bypass for Katherine. "Stop talking about it, just fund it."
- Rejuvenation of Low Level Reserve. Better facilities, lifeguards and even methods to control "rare" crocodiles in the area. "I have counted 200 people swimming in the water there, let's make it even better."
Mr Booth said his age should not disqualify him from standing for parliament.
He said Joe Biden was also 77 and was vying to be president of the United States.
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Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
