At a recent meeting, the VLGA board unanimously called the former Birch ward councillor to stay on as president.

"I am very flattered by the unanimous support by the VLGA," Mr Maloney said.

"My leadership is important and it will be continued."

Mr Maloney said he would continue to work on tasks as president including training mayors, preparing the future East Timor conference in August, governance assessment and new planning provisions for councils.

He said he would not stand for Cameron ward in the shire's by-election next year.

"I recognise the electorate wanted a much more conservative council and I feel my vision and ideas are not what they want over the next three years," he said.

VLGA chief executive officer Andrew Rowe said the VLGA board is elected for two years.

He said Mr Maloney resigned from the VLGA in December and would continue his term until March.

"The best time to elect a new president is after Christmas," Mr Rowe said.

"Nominations will open on Wednesday, January 25, and will be open to all councillors from councils that are members of the VLGA."

Mr Rowe said the call by VLGA members for Mr Maloney to stay on would appear to indicate he was held in very high regard.