CORANGAMITE Shire Council's newest councillor is hoping to retain her Central Ward seat in the upcoming election.
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Geraldine Conheady was elected to council in the Central Ward by-election in July.
She's lived in Noorat for 37 years where she has raised her family and operated a dairy and beef business with husband, Edward and four of her sons.
She said the repercussions of COVID-19 and the state lockdown measures will be her areas of focus moving forward.
"At the same time, the council cannot lose sight of it's core objectives and responsibilities to deliver the essential support structures and assets management for a community that has to re-energise, foster business and invest for our future," Ms Conheady said.
"I want to highlight and promote the strength of our agricultural base, particularly in dairy, which has continued to provide jobs and brings huge economic benefits to Corangamite and its communities.
"Our land is prime for efficient, low input food production. We must build on this strength, learn from our farmers and encourage investment into agriculture and complementary value-added business to create jobs which in turn can attract new residents to the Shire.
"Farmers actively uptake new technology and are open to adopt more sustainable farming practices. There is room for new innovative business for Corangamite."
Ms Conheady said now is the time to capitalise on domestic tourism and actively showcase the shire's coastline, lakes and craters to attract spending in the towns.
"Hospitality and tourism in Corangamite has suffered severely. We have opportunity to integrate our natural assets, artisan food, walking and cycling trails and accommodation options into a product that can encourage more weekend and longer stays," she said.
"I will advocate for roads funding to remain a high priority on the council agenda. It is integral to the safety of roadusers, to growth, and to support our industry supply chains and our tourism.
"My experience on council has embedded my motivation to represent the community and I'd really like to hear from residents and business owners about their concerns and ideas."
Three council positions have already been decided by default according to the Victorian Electoral Commission.
Ms Conheady joins current councillor Ruth Gstrein in hoping to keep her place on council as mayor Neil Trotter, Simon Illingworth, Lesley Brown and Helen Durant depart.
In ballot order; Ms Conheady, Ms Gstrein, Catherine O'Flynn, Lance Robilliard and Laurie Hickey are putting their hands up for one of three central ward positions.
Catherine Forsayeth and Nicholas Cole have nominated for the single north ward seat.
Meanwhile current councillor Jo Beard and candidates Jamie Vogels and Kate Makin have been elected for the south-central, coastal and south-west wards respectively as they ran uncontested.
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