Here’s something you don’t see too often!
Both Mayor Michael Lyon and fellow councillor, Mark Swivel, offered an apology to the followers of the Save Wallum Facebook page last week.
It was for the ‘unhelpful’ things they said regarding the (presumably) looming destruction of a rare ecosystem for expensive houses in Bruns.
It’s not something you see often, because political actors of their ilk think they are always right – about everything.
But this was about being rude and unprofessional, not what they believe is right.
Of course they are right!
Both statements were very, very similar in tone and language, and presumably the mayor was inspired by Cr Swivel, because the mayor posted his statement after.
They take their roles seriously, they both said, and want the best outcome yaddah yaddah, blah blah.
And because they acknowledge their interactions on social media were ‘unhelpful’, they think it’s best they limit their public statements and ‘restrict’ their discussions to private exchanges.
Presumably being mute will help limit their reputational damage?
Are we exhausted yet?
It is exhausting being a Byron Shire resident under this Council.
Imagine having to put your life on hold to defend yourself against the never-ending marauding grind of bureaucracy and politics that sees you as an obstacle.
Flood-affected New City Road residents in Mullum are now mobilised for a fight they shouldn’t have to wage – see page 1.
Prior to being elected last year, the NSW Labor government pledged that it wouldn’t develop on floodplains.
Yet that is what Council is proposing with its Housing Options Paper (HOP), which will ‘inform’ the upcoming Residential Strategy Refresh. At the December 14, 2023 meeting, a councillor majority made last-minute inclusions into its HOP.
One inclusion was a large block, 75 New City Road, and it all came without community consultation.
Councillors who supported that were Mayor Michael Lyon (mover), Crs Mark Swivel, Asren Pugh, Peter Westheimer and Alan Hunter.
The HOP was roundly criticised by community groups for a myriad of reasons. Public submissions remain confidential, and they are referred to by planning staff as rationale to increase dwelling density.
As for 75 New City Road, the owner has supplied reasoning to The Echo as to why residents should accept further development.
Apparently, further urbanisation is the only way adequate drainage can be built.
The full story will be published next week.
Mayor Lyon confidently announced at last Thursday’s Council meeting that he plans to hold a community Zoom meeting over the escalating PR disaster.
‘It’s important the community get behind the strategy with a full understanding’, he said. The dates would be either March 8 or 11.
An audibly peeved Cr Sarah Ndiaye asked Cr Lyon, ‘Is this just your Zoom with the community, or is this something councillors can take part in?’
He replied details had not been finalised, and yes, councillors could participate.
Will residents be listened to, or will their concerns just be ‘noted’?
Hans Lovejoy, editor
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. 
