Cr Bray has been on council since 1996 and was elected to the role of deputy mayor in 1996, facing re-election 13 times.

“I never intended to be a career politician ... (but) it’s taken a while to get Junee on the right track,” Cr Bray said.

Cr Bray said preparation and knowledge was key to the job, with council papers to be read and committee meetings and conferences all requiring time.

“It’s not just turning up,” he said.

The dedication, time required for the role and work commitments are the reasons Cr Bray is stepping down after 16 years.

Cr Bray said during his time on council he had helped make a difference to Junee, with the help of his current and past colleagues and council staff.

“You’ve got to have good staff to have a good team,” he said.

Cr Bray said he was leaving with a clean slate after several projects had been completed in the past four years.

The new Junee Library had been completed and had come in under budget but also the capacity to allow Junee to grow was in place.

“The library is a much-needed necessity and it’s a hub for Junee residents. Land sales depend on the economy, but the main thing is there is room to move,” Cr Bray said.

Mayor Lola Cummins said it would be a pity to lose Cr Bray’s experience and the attitude he brought to council including a balanced, big picture view.

“I’m disappointed (he’s leaving) ... he’s certainly a good councillor,” Cr Cummins said.

“He’s a very level headed bloke,” she said.