Independent councillor Cate Coorey has announced she will run for mayor in the upcoming Council election on December 4.
Cr Coorey leads the ‘Community Byron’ ticket, which also comprises Kim Goodrick, Bronwyn Morris and Delta Kay.
She says, ‘I know I can be a good mayor, and support our community in this time of rapid change and uncertainty’.
‘I founded Byron Residents’ Group eight years ago, and have experience as a community campaigner, followed by five years on Council.
Experience needed
‘I believe someone who runs for mayor should have experience as a councillor.
‘They need to understand how Council functions and, in a short term like this one, a new mayor needs to be able to hit the ground running and have the confidence of the community’.
Cr Coorey says her career has largely been in the not-for-profit sector, ‘working in strategic communications and advocacy in social justice and human rights contexts’.
‘I am experienced as an advocate and have met with, and lobbied, politicians many times, most recently planning ministers and senior bureaucrats about the West Byron issue.
‘I am proud of what has been achieved during my term on Council, however I feel that our community needs strong and unifying leadership, focussed on delivering results that improve the lives of the residents of Byron Shire.
‘I will be vigilant and defiant in protecting Byron against unsuitable development and exploitation. I have a track record of doing this in Council already, and have been very vocal in defending our planning laws from those who have sought to override them.
Persuasive
‘I am a persuasive communicator, backing up what I say with solid evidence, not just opinion.
‘Those who know me know that I can be relied upon to consult and collaborate; they also know me to be fair and to be considerate.
‘I am proud of what has been achieved during my term on Council, however I feel that our community needs strong and unifying leadership, focussed on delivering results that improve the lives of the residents of Byron Shire.
‘We are not just a backdrop for a reality TV show or a staged photo opportunity; real people live here and I want to represent them.
‘Over the past five years I have demonstrated a firm commitment to dealing with issues raised by the community in an effective, measured and sincere manner.
‘I moved a Climate Emergency resolution which resulted in an Action Plan to help Byron plan for, and respond to, climate change impacts.
‘I have advocated for better protection of wildlife through dog and cat management and for restoration of land and water, particularly through moving for a Water Sensitive Urban Design Policy.
‘We must heal and restore this land and plan for a climate disrupted future, which presents opportunities for work, food security and education’.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
