Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale today announced his resignation as Mayor citing reasons of ill health and a desire to change his 24/7 working life.

“This is a very sad day for me and a very emotional one,” Mayor Pisasale said. “My journey has been going for 26 years, and I’m so proud to be Mayor representing such a wonderful city. I’m so proud of the way the city has transformed and that now people are proud to call Ipswich their home.”

Mayor Pisasale has battled with Multiple Sclerosis over many years, and while MS is a debilitating disease of the central nervous system it has not slowed the Mayor in his work on behalf of Ipswich, but he says things have changed.

“After 25 years of not having a weekend off and not having a holiday – being totally engrossed in the job and the city – it does take its toll. Now, it’s time to look after my health.”

“I have resigned, and Councillor Paul Tully is now Acting Mayor. He has been a great colleague and will continue to do a great job.”

Mayor Pisasale’s resignation follows a period of investigation by the Crime and Corruption Commission. “Over the years I have cooperated wholeheartedly with the CCC and I will continue to do that.”

Under Queensland Electoral Laws a by-election will have to be held within three months to elect a new mayor of the city.