End of story for Mick
"I WISH to congratulate Cr Dyne on his re-election as mayor of Gympie Regional Council."
So saying, ex-Gympie city and Cooloola shire mayor Mick Venardos acknowledged his opponent, accepted election defeat and formally declared an end to one of Queensland's outstanding local government careers.
The Venardos era, which ended yesterday, included a generation of economic and demographic transformation in the region.
It was also marked by his leading role in the political lobbying, in Brisbane and Canberra, that helped save the Mary Valley from the Traveston Crossing dam.
"I've enjoyed the journey," he said.
Promising no more comebacks, he added: "Both Tina and I wish Cr Dyne and his wife Dulcie a fulfilling and satisfying term.
"I want to express my appreciation to all the men and women who put their names forward in the hope of serving the people of this great region.
"All of them deserve our admiration and respect.
"Returned sitting councillors and other successful candidates will find the 2012-16 term challenging.
"I hope the people's needs and aspirations will be foremost in their considerations," he said.
"I hope the people will be the beneficiaries of the new council's deliberations.
"End of story," he said.
