He is the third councillor in this elected term to end his tenure before the September local government elections.

Mr Dixon tendered his resignation on February 26 which became effective on March 1.

An extraordinary council meeting will be held tonight (March 3) to propose the position remains vacant until the next local government elections.

Mr Dixon said his decision came with a lot of reflection and with the support of his family and he will now focus on new opportunities through the real estate arm of his consultancy DXN Solutions.

He said it is "time to focus" on what comes next post-council.

"I don't think people realise what goes on in the background. It's important we get that message over to people before the next election of the reality of what it means to be a councillor," Mr Dixon said.

"I've done four and a half years now. I don't feel bad, but it is a bittersweet decision. There are some great people in our community out there."

Mr Dixon said his highlight at council was being a part of the process to bring together community groups from across the region into action teams advising council on future planning.

"A lot of our community groups were doing fantastic things on their own in different locations. When we could pull them together and allowed them to come up with their own community plans, where they had direct input and council was not dictating to them, that was a real achievement.

"The appointment of our new CEO (Dr Clare Allen) is also a highlight. She is very clear of the profile we need.

"Craig (Swift-McNair) had to steady the ship and now with this growing location and as a regional city-centre, we need somebody with the foresight, vision, knowledge, know-how and smarts to do it."

Mr Dixon said anyone contemplating running at the next council elections, should do so with their "eyes wide open".

"It's really important so they know they can give the role the time it deserves and needs."

Mr Dixon was elected to council in 2016. He ran on a ticket with Mike Cusato, John Saunders and Steve Cusato and campaigned on the key areas of infrastructure and future planning.

The remaining councillors are deputy mayor Lisa Intemann, Cr Sharon Griffiths, Cr Rob Turner, Cr Peter Alley, Cr Geoff Hawkins and mayor Peta Pinson.

The recommendation to the meeting will request council CEO Dr Clare Allen write to the electoral commissioner, the chief executive of the Office of Local Government and the chief executive of Local Government NSW advising of Cr Dixon's resignation as required under Section 285(b) of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2005.

Council is not required to apply to the Minister for Local Government The Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, seeking application to dispense with a by-election to replace the casual vacancy falls within 18 months of the next election.

The local government election will be held on September 4.

Justin Levido resigned from council in June 2020. He was elected to council in September 2012 after witnessing almost five years of external NSW State Government administration.

His resignation came just days after general manager Craig Swift-McNair resigned to take up a new role at Woollahra Council.

On his departure, Mr Levido said the councillors' focus has shifted towards a "less collegiate and respectful team environment focused on working for the broader LGA community, to one where personalities and individual goals are given precedence".

Mike Cusato resigned from council in September 2019. He was first elected to council in September 2012 and cited personal reasons for his decision.

Port Macquarie-Hastings residents went to the polls in a by-election in July 2017 after then mayor Peter Besseling resigned from his position.

Peta Pinson claimed the title becoming the LGA's first female mayor.

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