The Byron Greens say they are running an experienced team for this Council election, to be held September 4.
According to their press release, they are ‘focused on bringing the Greens principles of social justice, ecological sustainability and grassroots democracy to the next term of Byron Shire Council’.
‘The team is aware of the urgent need to work with the community and government on the climate emergency’.
‘Duncan Dey is our mayoral candidate, having served twice before as a Byron councillor. He is committed to protecting the natural environment, our neighbourhoods and the social fabric of our communities.
‘Duncan says, “As an engineer with a lifetime specialising in water, I offer expertise and scientific understanding that is rare in local government. For example, I see the problems around climate change and the actions we must take to adapt, as well as to reduce our contributions”.
“Open and transparent Council processes are key to delivering positive outcomes for the community. I’m committed to ensuring improved Council performance”.’
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Sarah Ndiaye says she has a ‘long list of unfinished Council business that she is committed to see come to fruition’.
According to the Greens press release, ‘Her energy has been widespread, from working with the Arakwal People, protecting the environment, and trying to facilitate more affordable and social housing options’.
Foundations laid
She says, ‘We’ve laid the foundations for so many fantastic projects and there’s still so much more to do.’
‘Matt O’Reilly’s preparation for becoming a Byron councillor is unrivalled.
‘He has attended every Council meeting this term, either in person or online, and joined over 30 Council workshops on planning and development issues.
‘Matt is the president of three local community associations, and works to put community and environment first in planning considerations.
‘He will work to diversify our industrial base to include many options in addition to the dominant tourism industry.
‘Kate Coxall is a social scientist, events manager and a skilled digital operator.
‘Her experience in the Rural Fire Service has taught her first hand the huge climate challenges we are facing and the social upheaval that follows such disasters.
‘Kate has an enormous capacity to adapt her skills to a wide range of activities.
‘Ian Cohen needs no introduction – the first and longest serving Greens in the NSW Parliament, and one of the founders of the Byron Greens, Ian is an iconic presence in the Shire, as a champion of environmental and social causes.
‘He has decades of experience and advocacy on Byron Shire issues.
‘From the forests of Northern NSW to the uranium mines of South Australia, he has selflessly given his time and energy to environmental causes’.
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