Mayor Michael Regan has advised Northern Beaches Council Interim CEO, Louise Kerr of his intention to step down from the role following his recent election to NSW Parliament.
An extraordinary council meeting will be held on Tuesday 16 May where Mayor Regan will formally tender his resignation and the council will elect a new Mayor.
Mayor Regan was the first popularly elected Mayor of Warringah Council in 2008 and was re-elected by the community in 2012. Following amalgamation, he was elected as the first Mayor of the newly formed Northern Beaches Council in 2017 and was reappointed for a second term in 2021.
“It has been a real privilege and honour to serve our community as Mayor of the Northern Beaches Council,” Mayor Regan said.
“I want to thank my fellow councillors and staff for all that we have collectively achieved over my time as Mayor.
“The recent years have of course been challenging, but we have worked together to serve our residents, guide them through the Covid-19 pandemic and responsibly manage council’s budget to deliver the right services and facilities for our community.”
Northern Beaches Council Interim CEO Louise Kerr said Mayor Regan had shown strong leadership and would leave an indelible legacy.
“As the first Mayor of the new Northern Beaches Council, Michael Regan has worked hard to increase community satisfaction with council and lift the delivery of services to the community,” Ms Kerr said.
“Under his leadership, council was twice awarded the AR Bluett Award – the highest accolade for local government in the state – first as Warringah Council in 2015 then again as Northern Beaches Council in 2022.”
Mayor Regan was instrumental in driving climate action at council, oversaw the switch to 100 per cent renewable energy across all our buildings and sites and lead the charge for more electric vehicles and charging stations on the Northern Beaches. During his terms as Mayor, council slashed its carbon footprint by 80 per cent and saved millions on council’s energy bills.
Mayor Regan was also successful in advocating for the new Forest High School, championed the B1 bus line to the city, worked with State and Federal Governments to deliver the Narrabeen Lagoon walkway and to fund its ongoing upgrades, delivered on promises to build new sporting precincts in Curl Curl, Cromer Park and Melwood Oval, identified the opportunity to fund and construct the PCYC at Dee Why and successfully advocated for the Wakehurst Parkway upgrades currently underway to reduce flooding.
“His most notable achievement in recent years was guiding council and the community through the Covid-19 pandemic, delivering $46 million in support for businesses and the community impacted by the lockdowns, including the innovative Library 2U and back2business programs,” Ms Kerr said.
“On behalf of all staff, thank you Mayor Regan for your service to our community.”
