Council
30 August, 2024
Ruth Gstrein renominates for Gnotuk
CENTRAL Ward councillor Ruth Gstrein has announced she will be running for Corangamite Shire council representing the new Gnotuk Ward, giving her an opportunity to represent where she lives.
The Gnotuk Ward consists of half of Camperdown, Gnotuk, Naroghid, Glenormiston, Boorcan and Kolora.
“That’s where I live, and I think that’s the best area,” Cr Gstrein said.
“At the end of the day, they’re just lines of on the map, so as a councillor for Corangamite, you represent the whole Corangamite Shire.”
When not working as a councillor, Cr Gstrein works at an architectural firm in the area or is cooking up a storm with the Rusty Tarts catering business.
She said working in local government, something she has done for a number of years, allows her to help others – something that she receives “great pleasure” from.
“I find that, while council very much takes a strategic focus and looking at the big picture, it’s also very reassuring and I’m really grateful to be able to help people with small issues that they might have,” Cr Gstrein said.
“That brings me a lot of satisfaction.
“I feel like I have more to give – local government is an ever-changing landscape, so even though I have been there for a number of years it’s always fresh.
“You never know what’s going to come around the corner, so that’s why I’ve decided to put my hand up again.”
Cr Gstrein also enjoys going out and speaking with people about their topics, with cost-of-living being one of the key issues at the moment.
She said there were a number of projects currently underway or in the planning stage that she would like to see completed.
“Things like the Camperdown Production Precinct, the Mockridge Park redevelopment, the theatre redevelopment – a number of big-ticket items,” Cr Gstrein said.
“Our new Grow Corangamite agriculture strategy is out there for comment at the moment, so there’ll be a lot of actions coming out of that.
“The never-ending advocacy – that’s a big part of being a councillor, advocating to state and federal governments for projects as well as for issued that are impacting on the people today.
“The number one issue is roads, and people don’t care whether it’s a local road, a state road or a federal road – they just want the roads fixed.
“I think I’ve got the experience and the track record to get out there and continue to advocate for Corangamite Shire citizens and ratepayers.”
Cr Gstrein said she had one main point of pride within the Corangamite Shire local government area.
“What I’m incredibly proud of is the reputation that the Corangamite Shire has in the sector,” she said.
“We have very stable councillors, which I’ve been greatly appreciative of, and I think we have a really good reputation.
“Councillors treat each other with the upmost respect.
“There is always diverging views, but we’re able to express their views in a respectful manner.”