Labor mayoral candidate Asren Pugh has conceded defeat in the September 14 local government elections, with Greens candidate Sarah Ndiaye poised to become Byron Shire Council’s new mayor.
The tight contest between the two had Cr Ndiaye ahead by 770 votes (4.3 per cent), after first preferences, yet the tally is yet to be finalised.
Cr Pugh, who has been a councillor for the past two and half years, said on social media, ‘I have received a surprisingly high number of preferences from [independent David] Warth and a really good flow from [outgoing mayor Michael] Lyon’.
Exhausting ballots
‘Unfortunately, there are simply too many ballot papers that are “exhausting” and do not allocate preferences. This means I am going to fall a few hundred votes short of winning mayor. I have called Sarah to congratulate her on her win.
‘Even though I have just fallen short, this is an amazing result.
‘Our vote tripled from the last election, which was just over two and half years ago. This is the best result for Labor in Byron Shire in decades.’
Mayor-elect Sarah Ndiaye wrote on social media, ‘We want to wait till every one of your votes is counted.
‘What we do know is that the results are looking very promising for the Greens. Asren Pugh called me today and conceded and we congratulated each other on the work put in by all involved. We’re eagerly awaiting the final confirmation of both the mayoral and councillor results.’
‘I’m very proud of the campaign we ran, the collective effort of our wonderful volunteers and the four incredible Greens women who have run alongside me as candidates.
‘I could not have hoped for a better team. Whatever the result, we, the Greens, are in a very good position going forward. We are ready to work for the residents of Byron Shire, whatever happens.’
Top priorities
The Echo asked, ‘While it may be presumptive to ask, given the final tally is yet to be announced, what will be your top priorities when Council resumes?’
She replied, ‘As I consider the responsibilities and challenges of possibly serving as mayor, I want to outline my key priorities for our community.’
‘Amenities that are fit-for-purpose are critical, ensuring they are made more accessible and the community has meaningful input into them is a priority.
‘Upgrading and maintaining roads and infrastructure and drainage is always crucial, and I want to look for ways to improve our delivery of services in this area.
‘I will advocate for the appointment of a senior ecologist within our planning department.
‘This step is crucial to prevent environmental oversights like those that led to what happened at Wallum.
First Nations perspectives
‘We must also leverage our wildlife corridor mapping to collaborate with community partners, ensuring better outcomes for our threatened flora and fauna. Incorporating a First Nations perspective in planning and land management is also an exciting prospect.
‘We can work with Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aborginal Corp (BoBBAC) towards the realisation of a cultural centre as well.
‘Addressing the housing crisis is another top priority.
‘I am committed to exploring all current actions: regulation of Short Term Rental Accommodation (STRA), Community Land Trusts (CLT), Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme (AHCS) and development of the old Mullumbimby Hospital site (for example) and also the creation of a dignity village.
‘We need to collaborate with all levels of government to establish these outcomes and to create a refuge for women and children experiencing domestic violence, and some public housing.
‘Additionally, securing a diverse and sustainable water supply for the future is essential.
‘I believe in the importance of meaningful community consultation and fostering connections within our neighbourhoods through initiatives like a rail trail and improved on-demand bus services. Revitalising our towns and villages is also crucial.
‘We will promote a “shop local” campaign and support the development of a circular economy where possible.
‘While there is much to accomplish, I will ensure we approach our goals realistically. With the significant damage from recent floods still weighing on us, we must avoid setting unattainable expectations. I aim to harness the strengths of our community.
‘Together, we can achieve great things. As your mayor, I would work to unite us in our efforts for a brighter, more compassionate future.’
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