Independent councillor, Basil Cameron, says he will not contest the upcoming mayoral and Council elections, to be held December 4.
He said on social media, ‘After thirteen years as a councillor, five years as Deputy Mayor, it is time to pass the baton to others’.
‘This has been a difficult decision, because I have loved every minute of being a councillor, and it has been the greatest privilege to represent the people of Byron Shire. Being a councillor is also a very demanding role that requires a big commitment of time to do well.
‘Contrary to what headlines may suggest, the greatest satisfaction comes outside the chamber and working directly with resident, community and business groups on projects that matter.
‘In this term alone the Mullumbimby Masterplan, Bangalow Village Plan, Heritage House refurbishment, Mullumbimby Hospital site, South Golden Beach fitness park, Suffolk Park pump track and Linda Vidler Park have all progressed.
‘As Chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, delivering the Bike Plan, PAMP and Transport Strategy have been highlights, along with the Byron-Suffolk cycleway and design work for a Brunswick–Mullumimby cycleway. On two issues close to my heart, I have been able to achieve a better focus on heritage issues and improvements in road safety and pedestrian access as Chair of both the Heritage Panel and Local Traffic Committee.
‘I am particularly proud of early Notices of Motion I took to Council that achieved a ban on CSG mining in the Shire, and the establishment of a Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) following the GFC. At the time, Council’s finances were in a dire state, and councillors lacked the information to make well-judged decisions.
‘Thank you to all the many wonderfully skilled people in our community who are prepared to contribute to our collective wellbeing’.
Thanks Basil for years of hard work and your preparedness to spend the time to thoroughly acquaint yourself with the detail. You have been a fair, objective, intelligent and reasoned voice with a dedication to preserving the best of this shire and promoting the welfare of the whole community. You were often a voice in the wilderness and you will be sadly missed.
Thank you for your many years of service Basil. Enjoy the next phase for you.
You will be greatly missed. You also bought great honour to governance and beautiful balance to everything. All the best dear Basil.
I am sorry that you are not continuing your role Cnr Cameron. You possess the qualities needed of a councillor and which seems to be lacking in so many. You are genuinely committed to the improvement of the community as a whole, you are rational in reaching your decisions, you are honest, you are fair in your decision making, Polite at all times, aware of the law and it’s application as well as not caving to pressure from those who would see their self interest promoted above the common good.
Thank you
Belinda
Sad to see you leave Council Basil. You always listened.