Cr Cusato, who was first elected to council in September 2012, tendered his resignation on Monday, September 23. He cited personal reasons for his decision.

General Manager Craig Swift-McNair is now required to inform a range of agencies of the resignation, including the Office of Local Government, the NSW Electoral Commission and Local Government NSW.

As required under Section 294 of the NSW Local Government Act 1993, the general manager will apply to the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Shelley Hancock MP seeking permission not to fill the councillor vacancy. This is due to the resignation occurring within 18 months of the next ordinary local government election in September 2020.

If the Minister orders that the vacancy not be filled, then no by-election is required.

Mayor Peta Pinson wished Mr Cusato, his family and business well for the future.

Council also thanked Mr Cusato for his service, and contribution to council and the community.

Cr Cusato's raised his final motion at the September council meeting, asking the general manager to investigate the impacts of removing the contentious east-west "most viable" orbital road option from council's strategic business case.

A report is due at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's meeting on November 20 about the impact of removing this investigation area with the intention to investigate alternative routes for the proposed orbital road project.

The report will also include any impacts on funding applications and impacts on procedures to cross or encroach any nature reserves.