Ian Wilson served on Ararat Rural City Council for 12 years after being elected in 2001, including three terms as Mayor.

In a statement read to council Mr Wilson said his resignation from council was effective immediately and was for personal and private reasons.

"It has been a great honour to serve the community of Ararat since my election to council in 2001," he said.

"I have strived to make decisions for the benefit of the whole community after seeking all the relevant evidence and information on each issue from the staff of the organisation, while also being aware of the impact of these decisions on individual residents, ratepayers and community organisations."

Mr Wilson acknowledged the staff of the Ararat Rural City and thanked them for their personal support and their professional advice during his time on the council.

"I would also like to say thankyou to my immediate and extended family for their unconditional support on my decision to seek election for council and to my wife Janice for her understanding, tolerance and patience over the last 12 years," he said.

Ararat Rural City councillors offered their thanks and appreciation to Mr Wilson following his announcement.

Cr Fay Hull said Mr Wilson had been a sterling member of the council.

"During that time you could never doubt his passion, commitment and vision," she said.

"He was always looking for something to improve the economy and the lifestyle of Ararat and he has worked at it tirelessly and often at times when he was dealing with quite significant personal problems. I admire him because I knew of occasions when he came to a meeting and chaired a meeting when it was the last place on earth he should have been and he never ever let that get in the way of his public duties.

"Although I understand why Cr Wilson has taken this action I really think this community is going to be the loser."

During his first 12 months on council Cr Ian Harris said he had appreciated the support of Mr Wilson.

"I found him honest and earnest and a pleasure to work with," he said.

"I've know him in the community for a long time before that and I think he is a community member we should all be proud of."

After his election as Mayor Cr Paul Hooper had also acknowledged the work of Mr Wilson.

"I've only been here a couple of months but I acknowledge the tremendous amount of work Cr Wilson has done in the chair," he said.

"I found him to be an outstanding chairperson, he's given unlimited time to myself and other councillors. His passion he wears with pride, and he has achieved an enormous amount.

"The community is in debt to you councillor, not the other way around, and it has been a true privilege to serve with you for 12 years."

Ararat Rural City has yet to announce when a by-election will take place.