Bryce Ham will contest North Ward as an Independent candidate at the December 4 local government election.

The teen said tackling the city's "car-dependent suburban sprawl problem", increasing public transport and cycling usage, and establishing a ferry network on the lake were high on his list of priorities.

IN THE NEWS:

"The only way to reduce congestion on our roads is to provide people with viable alternatives to driving," he said.

"I want to build a future where people don't have to use a car to get around.

"This future will not come tomorrow but it's not too late to change the car-centric urban planning and suburban sprawl that is destroying our city."

As a former organiser for School Strike 4Climate, Mr Ham said he hoped to engage young people in local government through his campaign.

"I recognise that I am young but I believe that I have the vision and determination that will benefit our community if elected to council," he said.

"Our council should be representative of our city and young people have lacked a voice in local government for too long."

Despite his young age, Mr Ham said he was running as an independent because he didn't "see local government as a stepping stone in a political career".

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: