But she said voters should keep some experience on the council and is asking people to vote for her not only for her experience but also for her enthusiasm.

Cr Gaston said her first term as a councillor had energised her.

She had learnt how to make things happen for the community and was keen to keep doing so.

Cr Gaston said the first priority of the current council was to revitalise Warrnambool’s central business district and she was thrilled that goal was “shovel ready” with the $15 million CBD renewal project scheduled to get underway next year.

Another project that she worked to make happen was a footpath from Russell Street in Dennington across the railway line to the Dennington shopping centre and a gravel walking path entirely around the Brierly recreation reserve.

The path had prompted many more people to walk around the Brierly area, Cr Gaston said.

Other recent projects she successfully lobbied for were new toilets for the Allansford Mechanics Hall, infrastructure improvements at the Warrnambool community garden, an upgrade of the Grieve Street playground next to the community garden and an equipment shed for the Warrnambool Landcare and Coastcare group.

Her future goals include a new library and computer hub and advocating for stage two of the Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment that involves new operating theatres and emergency department. Cr Gaston said stage two would allow medical staff to respond quickly to emergencies.

Helping residents have healthy lifestyles by providing more paths and playgrounds was among her goals, Cr Gaston said.

She wants to continue lobbying for another $10 million to $20 million in regional road funding because road safety was “seriously compromised” at the moment. Train carriages on the Warrnambool line also needed to be upgraded and have Wi-FI installed, Cr Gaston said.

She said she was door-knocking homes throughout the municipality to hear from residents about the issues that concerned them.