Mike Cusato: Decision to resign as a councillor was not easy

Mr Cusato resigned a councillor on September 23, for personal reasons, after seven years as an elected representative.

"It has been extremely challenging and frustrating at times but I believe this council has succeeded in getting our community involved and getting our region on the right track," he said.

"There is plenty of work to do but it's my belief we are in a good place."

Mr Cusato said the council had achieved many milestones since administration ended in 2012.

He cited some of the many highlights as the completion of Stingray Creek Bridge, completion of the indoor stadium upgrade, retaining the Plaza Car Park in public ownership, completing the revised Urban Growth Management Strategy, and as recent as last week, resolving to move forward with a new aquatic facility.

The council won the AR Bluett Award in 2017.

The award is acknowledged as the pinnacle of local government achievement and recognises the most progressive council in the state.

"To come from five years of administration and to win that award within five years is an achievement the entire community can be proud of," Mr Cusato said.

Mr Cusato said his decision to resign was not easy.

"It was nothing to do with anybody else within council," he said.

"My working relationship with the general manager Craig Swift-McNair has been very constructive and professional.

"Our mayor Peta Pinson is extremely dedicated to her job and has a very close connection with our community.

"I enjoyed working alongside Peta and wish her all the very best."

Mr Cusato said he would miss working with his councillor colleagues, some of whom he had worked with since 2012.

"They are a very dedicated group with the community at the forefront of all the decisions they make," he said.

"I also extend my gratitude for their support over the years and wish them all the very best.

"To Craig and all the staff, I also thank them for their support and dedication to their roles in serving our community."

Mr Cusato said the past seven years had been an experience of a lifetime.

"Being a councillor is rewarding (at times), challenging and something I never thought I would be doing," he said.

"The community is the one and only reason to do this job and the rewards are seeing the achievements and the progress to improve our region for the future.

"In many ways I will miss being in that role."

The council is seeking permission from Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock not not to fill the councillor vacancy now and therefore avoid a by-election.

This is due to the resignation occurring within 18 months of the next local government election in September 2020.

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