Independent Michael Lyon has been elected Mayor of Byron, promising a concerted effort to solve the Shire’s housing crisis.
Cr Lyon continues in the role that he held for the last seven months of the last Council term following the resignation of Greens Mayor, Simon Richardson.
The result was declared at 10am this morning at an official ‘calling of the card’ process conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall.
The process involved the live allocation of preferences (which had been counted and entered into the system over the past week) by the Commission’s computer.
The final result saw Cr Lyon edge out fellow independent Mark Swivel, who was second in the race.
Third was Duncan Dey of The Greens, followed by independent Cate Coorey.
Cr Lyon was congratulated by Mr Dey and Mr Swivel after the result was declared, as well as Sarah Ndiaye of The Greens, who looks very likely to retain her seat on Council.
When asked what locals could expect from him over the upcoming two-and-a-half year term, Cr Lyon told The Echo:
‘You can expect a focus on core services and the business of Council.
‘You can expect our unmitigated and concerted effort to solve the housing crisis on behalf of all the vulnerable people in our community doing it tough.
‘You can expect an inclusive and open minded approach to all issues and all conversations, and ensuring that all voices in our community are heard and understood before any decisions are made.’
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