So far, three mayoral candidates have nominated for the September 14 Council election – current mayor Michael Lyon (Independent), Crs Sarah Ndiaye (Greens) and Asren Pugh (Labor).
With all three candidates having voted similarly over the years, what is the point of difference between them? The Echo asked all three, and their answers are as follows:
Cr Asren Pugh
‘As a single councillor over our shortened two-and-a-half-year term, you never achieve anything on your own, you work with the community, stakeholders, council staff, other levels of government and other councillors to deliver’.
‘Over this time, I have demonstrated my credentials to our community to be able to put myself forward for mayor. I have delivered significant policy change to support housing for Traditional Owners on Country, ensured the Beacon Laundry in Bangalow got built and I led the charge to change councils policy to finally support building the Rail Trail.
‘As a Labor councillor I have used my relationships with the new NSW government to ensure that the 60-day cap for short-term-holiday-letting was delivered, I worked with the housing minister to roll out an assertive outreach program for our rough sleepers and secured funding for Fletcher Street Cottage.
‘I’m ready to step up to mayor to keep this record of delivery going. In the next term, I want to see our 20 per cent affordable housing scheme deliver real, affordable and social housing, working with the NSW government. I would get on with building the Rail Trail, getting the grant funding needed to finish the job. I would lead a collegiate and progressive Council that is focussed on delivery for our community’.
Cr Sarah Ndiaye
‘As a Byron Shire mayoral candidate, I offer leadership that embodies our community’s values. My approach is grounded in collaboration, fostering transparency, and inclusivity and ensuring diverse voices shape our decision-making’.
‘What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to ethical governance and community trust. I have always been fiscally responsible with my decision making. I’ve consistently stood against inappropriate development, encouraged positive development and demonstrated the courage to admit mistakes when necessary. My leadership style is characterised by active listening and bringing diverse groups together to find inclusive solutions.
‘With experience as deputy mayor and acting mayor, I bring a deep understanding of our shire’s challenges. Our exceptional team, including two First Nations women and a young local water engineer, enhances our capacity to serve effectively.
‘I approach decisions with compassion, prioritising our community and environment. By fostering a positive council culture, we’ll address challenges innovatively. Transparency and compassion will be cornerstones of my leadership style, ensuring accountability and care. I work hard to bring out the best in people and to harness the skills they have to offer, whoever they are.
‘My vision is to create a community where everyone feels valued, while protecting our environment’.
Mayor Michael Lyon
‘My leadership is based on the principles of transparency, inclusiveness and accountability. There are often different opinions from issue to issue on the way forward, but I always strive to explain my decision-making and allow the opportunity for full and frank discussion during the process’.
‘I have had three and a half years experience in the role as mayor now, and have been elected by my mayoral peers as the Chair of the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation, because of my consultative style and advocacy for the region on critical issues. In a tight funding environment, managing key relationships in state and federal government in order to get outcomes and the delivery of infrastructure is critical. Byron Shire Council has punched well above its weight in recent times, obtaining many grants for roads, recovery funding, betterment and community facilities like the Byron Skate Park.
‘I have also had extensive experience in my life, managing large organisations and facilitating change and reform. Problem-solving and identifying key weaknesses and opportunities within an organisation and acting at the right time is what my professional training has enabled me to undertake and Byron Shire Council and our community benefits from my skills in this regard.’
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