IMPROVING youth education aspirations, a joint library, safer harbour and starting the CBD renewal are key priorities for new Warrnambool mayor Kylie Gaston.
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Addressing the chamber for the first time as mayor, Cr Gaston said when returning to Australia from overseas with her family 11 years ago, they were open to living anywhere that met a certain criteria.
“We picked the right place,” she said. “I fell in love with Warrnambool and am passionate about our city and its future direction.
“I believe we have marvellous foundations to build upon and the opportunities for our city are boundless.”
Cr Gaston said being on council was the most fulfilling and interesting role she had undertaken.
She said the council staff was full of talent and enthusiasm and the city was being planned strategically.
“We are planning for our future, avoiding urban sprawl, instead creating community hubs and open space,” Cr Gaston said.
She said it was important to celebrate that Warrnambool was the smallest city in Australia with both a TAFE and university campus.
“But we also need to safeguard it, because it is also true we have the lowest level of year 12 attainment in the state,” Cr Gaston said.
“I will place a great emphasis on our commitment to improving our youth’s education aspirations, working with all those associated with the education sector.”
“I’m very passionate about pursuing all avenues to ensuring a library partnership with TAFE becomes a reality to create a community learning hub.”
Cr Gaston said she was committed to delivering the first stage of Warrnambool’s harbour upgrade and was excited about industrial developments in the city’s east.
“I’m also looking forward to the new sound and laser shows at Flagstaff Hill next year and am enthusiastic about making our city more bicycle friendly,” she said.
Cr Gaston said council would face the reality of rate capping and it was also pertinent to review and update local laws.