Cr Neil Trotter re-elected Corangamite Mayor

Published on 27 November 2019

Councillor Neil Trotter was elected Corangamite Shire Mayor for a second term last night.

Corangamite Shire Councillors unanimously re-elected the South-West Ward Councillor at their November meeting in Camperdown last night.

“I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors for their support and for voting for me,” Cr Trotter said.

“I’d especially like to thank former Mayor Jo Beard for her guidance when I was first elected.

“Thanks also to Cr Ruth Gstrein for her support as Deputy Mayor. Her experience has been invaluable. I’ve had a steep learning curve.”

Elected unopposed, Cr Trotter said his top priorities would be continuing to seek funding to fix the region’s roads.

“Certainly, the state of our arterial roads is the biggest concern for our residents,” he said.

“We will continue to advocate strenuously for the investment needed to improve the arterial roads network that is essential for the safety and economic security of our residents.

“Funding is required to upgrade local freight corridors to accommodate agriculture supply chain traffic. With the agriculture sector forecast to grow, we need to future-proof the Shire in anticipation of an increasing numbers of heavy vehicles.”

Cr Trotter said Council sourcing funding for the $6.1 million Twelve Apostles Trail from Timboon to Port Campbell was also a high priority.

“The trail will provide healthy leisure opportunities for residents and, because it links the Great Ocean Road with the Melbourne-to-Camperdown train, it is expected to attract the lucrative trail cycling market and contribute to growth in jobs and business opportunities.”

Cr Trotter said he was also looking forward to further development of the Port Campbell Town Centre Plan.

Cr Trotter said his first term as mayor had been rewarding but also challenging.

“It’s been frustrating at times. Advocating for roads—the Princes Highway West, roadside vegetation, RDV funding et cetera—a lot of things have had money stripped away in the past year.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult for regional Councils to do what we need to do for our communities. It’s an impediment to growth and productivity and community wellbeing. Waste and recycling also continue to be concerns.

“Hopefully in the next year, as this council winds up ahead of the election, we can meet some objectives and our advocacy can be rewarded.”

Central Ward Councillor Ruth Gstrein was re-elected Deputy Mayor, also unopposed.

“I’d like to congratulate the mayor on his re-election,” Cr Gstrein said.

“It’s been a pleasure working with him. Thanks to our fellow Councillors for their support. I look forward to continuing to work with them and CEO Andrew Mason and his team.

“We will continue to work together in the best interests of the people of Corangamite Shire, using ratepayer’s money prudently and accountably.”