Ah local governance. It’s the Constitutionally unrecognised arm of the state government, and is responsible for local planning and developments (Unless the development is over $20m, in which case an unelected independent panel called the JRPP decides).
Local Councils are known for the three Rs – rates, roads and rubbish. While the state government oversees its freedoms (and continues to diminish them), there is still scope within the Local Government Act 1993 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to represent communities such as Byron, that are under enormous pressure to develop.
How it works:
Councillors are elected to create policy (if a majority vote is reached) and Council staff enact that policy.
The general manager (GM) is responsible for the entire operation, which is the biggest employer in the Shire.
Council GM Mark Arnold was appointed by councillors in June 2018. Photo Jeff Dawson
The current councillors were elected in September 2016 and their four-year term expires in 2020.
Mayor Simon Richardson (Greens). Has been a councillor since 2008, and mayor since the 2012. Yet in that term of council, a Greens councillor deflected and subsequently the mayor lost the balance of power. Richardson was elected as mayor in 2016 along with three other Greens. Photo David Hancock
Councillor Michael Lyon (Greens). Has been a councillor since 2016, and previously managed Santos Organics. Has studied law and economics and will contest the 2019 federal election as a Greens candidate.Photo David Hancock
Councillor Basil Cameron. Elected at the last election as an independent with the Our Sustainable Future group and served on previous Councils. Photo David-Hancock
Councillor Cate Coorey. Ran as an independent with the Community Byron group. As founder and president of Byron Residents’ Group, Cate has “worked to represent the interests of the community and conservation of our natural environment ahead of the wishes of developers and vested interests. Photo David Hancock
Councillor Alan Hunter. The lone conservative in the room, Alan was elected as an independent with the Byron Shire In Balance group and was also on the previous council, which he was part of the balance of power. Nationals Party aligned. Photo David Hancock
Councillor Paul Spooner (Country Labor) Paul is a graduate of economics and sociology who has managed community, cultural, legal and youth organisations. Currently the general manager of Byron Community Centre.Photo David Hancock
Councillor Jan Hackett (Country Labor). Jan’s family were pioneers in the region, settling in Ewingsdale in 1887. She worked for the NSW Department of Education as a Visual Arts teacher, Head teacher, Visual Arts Consultant, Senior Education Officer and Exhibitions Officer (Artexpress). She also worked in curriculum design and assessment for many years. Photo David Hancock
Councillor Sarah Ndiaye (Greens). As a High School English and Drama teacher, Sarah is a graduate of Southern Cross University and the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. She has worked in local media at ABC North Coast, Bay FM. Photo David Hancock
Ah local governance. It’s the Constitutionally unrecognised arm of the state government, and is responsible for local planning and developments (Unless the development is over $20m, in which case an unelected independent panel called the JRPP decides).
