Labor councillor, Asren Pugh, and South Golden Beach local, Janet Swain will head the Byron Shire Labor team to contest the Byron Shire Council elections on September 14.
In a statement, Cr Pugh says he will also be the team’s candidate for mayor.
He said, ‘I’m so passionate about what I have been able to achieve in my very short term on Council over the past two-and-a-half years, but there is still so much to do. I made sure Council finally supports the rail trail and stopped the years of delays’, said Pugh.
‘I delivered integral support to see the amazing Beacon Laundry built in Bangalow, the Rifle Range Rd intersection upgrade and the sports fields’ lights replaced.
‘I worked with the NSW Housing Minister, Rose Jackson, to deliver support for Fletcher Street Cottage, and the Assertive Outreach Program for rough sleepers in our shire.’
‘I am truly excited to be running with Janet Swain. A local musician who has lived in South Golden Beach for eight years and, with no current councillors from Ocean Shores, New Brighton or South Golden Beach, Janet will finally make sure that the north of the Shire has direct representation on Council.’
Passion for music
Janet Swain said, ‘I am putting my hand up so I can bring my passion for music and the arts into the decisions of Council. We live in one of the most creative communities in Australia, and our local creative industries are in crisis.’
‘As a long-time local resident of the north of Byron Shire, I want to be a strong voice on Council for my neighbours. We are constantly left out of decision making and need a focus on footpaths, bike paths and drains. We need someone who actually lives here to drive our new local masterplan.’
They will be joined by local aged care worker and Bangalow Koalas co-founder, Peter Doherty, and early childhood teacher, Linda Watson.
The Labor team say they ‘will have a strong focus on ensuring that the new housing strategy delivers more diverse, affordable housing while protecting what we all love about Byron Shire’.
‘It will work with the state government to deliver a real response to the homelessness crisis, including delivering proper support services, emergency accommodation and pathways into permanent housing’, they say.
Update: The story was amended to say Peter Doherty is the Bangalow Koalas co-founder, not founder.
Pete Doherty is not the founder of Bangalow Koalas. Bangalow Koalas was formed by a group of locals concerned about our resident koala population.
Not sure why This constantly needs correcting.