Former Burnie mayor Steve Kons has quit Burnie Council having previously served as mayor

Steve Kons has quit the Burnie Council – months after the council’s general manager resigned – with both parties signalling a “moment of change”. Here’s what he had to say.

Former Burnie mayor Steve Kons. Picture: Grant Wells

Former mayor Steve Kons will no longer serve as a Burnie City councillor after the council confirmed the former MP had tendered his resignation, effective immediately.

This comes following the shock resignation of the council’s general manager Simon Overland in June. The controversial former Victorian police commissioner had joined the council as general manager in 2020 when Mr Kons was mayor.

Mr Kons said with a new general manger coming on board in the next couple of months it was an opportunity to move on.

“It’s an opportunity for someone new to work with the new general manager,” Mr Kons said.

“I’ve got plenty of other things to occupy myself with.”

Steve Kons.

Having spent 12 years in the role, he said he was leaving with a sense of elation.

“It frees me up to pursue other things. I find comfort in moving on, on my terms rather than waiting two years for the next council election,” he said.

“I would never say never, but I need a break.

“I have a few other developments with flexible time frames … so now my time is my time.”

Mr Kons said he would shift his focus towards other developments he has in the pipeline.

Reflecting on his time with the council, he said he was proud to have provided 150 jobs to Burnie in a deal with SERCO, which only earlier this month decided to close its call centre on the North-West Coast.

He also spearheaded upgrades to the Burnie Civic Centre, which was also backed with federal funding.

“I wish the mayor well into the future,” Mr Kons said.

“I am confident she will pull through well with a new general manager, and with a new councillor coming in at the same time as a new general manager.”

Steve Kons.

Burnie City Council mayor Teeny Brumby. Picture: Burnie City Council

In a statement, Burnie Mayor Teeny Brumby acknowledged Mr Kons’ years of service and leadership.

“Councillor Kons has made significant contributions to the Burnie community throughout his time on council, including serving as mayor on three occasions,” the statement read.

“His departure marks a significant decision and a moment of change for Burnie City Council.”

The Burnie businessman is also known for ‘shreddergate’ in 2008, when he shredded documents while serving as Deputy Premier that were later taped together by former Greens MP Kim Booth.

The council said further updates regarding the vacancy would be provided in due course.

Originally published as Former Burnie mayor Steve Kons has quit Burnie Council having previously served as mayor