Brighton’s long-serving mayor stays at the helm with increased vote

TASMANIA'S longest serving mayor has been re-elected to Brighton with an increased vote. How does he do it? Good old fashioned budgeting and working as team player.

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster. PICTURE: MATT THOMPSON

BRIGHTON’S Tony Foster has romped back into his mayoral robes with a clear lead, making him Tasmania’s longest serving mayor.

Cr Foster, who was first elected mayor in 1993, has been elected with an increased majority — gaining a healthy 58 per cent of first preference votes.

“That was a surprise for me — even though our municipality is growing, I didn’t expect so many first preference votes,” he said.

The stalwart said he would use this term to ensure promised major public infrastructure projects such as a new Brighton high school and the replacement Bridgewater Bridge receive priority attention.

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Cr Foster said the secret to his longevity was old-fashioned budgeting and working as a team.

“I’ve always maintained that councils have to be good financial managers, and we’ve established that at Brighton,” he said.

“People don’t want to see rates go up by 12 or more per cent — they want to see them go up by CPI.”

He said Brighton rates rose at a flat rate of 2 per cent across the municipality.

Cr Foster said his strong result was as much a reflection of the Brighton team including elected councillors, staff and expert consultants working for council.

He praised Cr Barbara Curran, who has been re-elected as deputy with 50.48 per cent after distribution of preferences.

“I am privileged to be the leader of a very competent team that has the runs on the board and I thank them sincerely,” Cr Foster said.

“Our challenge is to continue this progress and make sure the Commonwealth and State Governments deliver the promised major infrastructure projects.”

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster at the Bridgewater Bridge. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Cr Foster said he had worked hard to secure the new Brighton high school promise from the State Government and state and federal government commitments for the replacement of the Bridgewater Bridge.

“I’ll now be working to see these projects delivered and well as securing other development for our community.”