Queenstown News > Cath Gilmour standing for QLDC - 05/07/2007

Long-time local journalist Cath Gilmour has put up her hand as the first new candidate for Queenstown Lakes District Council.

“I am passionate about and committed to the Wakatipu.  I have watched Queenstown grow from a small village to a bustling international resort over the past 45 years.  It's a great place with an exciting future, and we also face some real challenges.

“My focus as a councillor will be to ensure Wakatipu retains its vibrant and positive communities, go-getter spirit and the stunning environment that drew many of us here."

Twelve years as a local journalist have given Ms Gilmour a good understanding of the local issues, community and council.  “Having a new councillor who already has a good grasp of the issues will be very useful, with several long-term councillors standing down this term.

“It’s Council that sets the stage for our community and I believe this role has never been more important than now, as we tackle the challenges of rapid growth."

Ms Gilmour said she had been asked to stand for council over the years and she believes her skills and experience in research, analysis and communication, wide community involvement and her ‘get things done’ attitude would be valuable additions to the council table.

Ms Gilmour, 46, became an Invercargill-based Queenstown “cribby” in 1962 and moved to Queenstown permanently in 1995.  She has been and continues to be an active member of a wide variety of community groups.

She has been nominated by Simon Hayes and seconded by Susan Mawhinney.

Her website and blog is at www.cathgilmour.co.nz