Tasmania’s longest-serving Mayor, Brighton’s Tony Foster will retire this Wednesday 30 June 2021.
Cr Foster, who has served on council for 34 years and the past 28 years as mayor, said he was departing, satisfied that he was leaving Brighton in an extremely sound position.
“I continue to be proud that Brighton offers the lowest residential rates in Tasmania, the council is debt free and this year are undertaking our largest ever capital works program,” he said.
“As well as the council’s capital works and renewal projects, we are seeing record levels of private development as well as major projects in the pipeline including the replacement Bridgewater Bridge and new Brighton High School. Brighton is indeed going places.”
“I have always believed that education can provide a solution to many of the problems impacting on society and that is why I worked hard for many years firstly to see the development of the Jordan River Learning Federation and now, the establishment of a new high school at Brighton.
“These are vital for the future growth of the municipality and for it to continue to be seen as a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Increasingly, with its availability of affordable housing, good facilities and services, Brighton is seen as a very attractive place to live, particularly for young families.
“With our growing education facilities, sports grounds, parks and walking trails, community amenities, a wide range of services and a growing business and industrial base, this will see the Brighton community continue to develop. Indeed, over the next three decades, the Brighton Municipality’s population is estimated to double from the current 18,000 to up to 36,000 people.”
Cr Foster thanked the councillors, council management and staff he had worked with over the years, as well as the community that had shown him unprecedented support.
“But, I must particularly thank my wife Noeline and my family for their forbearance and strong and unwavering support for much longer than is reasonable,” he said.
Under the Local Government Act, the date for a new election for mayor will be determined once Cr Foster hands in his official resignation on Wednesday.
