Byron councillor Basil Cameron says the shire needs to ‘do better’ on some issues

“With so many challenges before us, it is time to put aside the ongoing factional feuds that have divided council and diverted attention away from resident priorities for too long.”

Byron Shire councillor Basil Cameron is running for re-election in the 2021 council election.

The Byron Shire’s longest serving current councillor has confirmed he will run for re-election in September.

Councillor Basil Cameron has chalked up five years’ experience as deputy mayor during his time on the council.

He is chair of the council’s finance and infrastructure committees and sits on the Rous County Council, the region’s key water authority.

“I am standing for mayor offering new leadership as an experienced councillor and deputy mayor who always has and always will put the community voice first,” Mr Cameron said.

“Working directly with the community as a councillor is a great privilege.

“Together we have delivered masterplanning and community facilities across the shire with more to come.

“We need to do better.”

If elected mayor, Mr Cameron said he would “expand community engagement to help build a more resilient and sustainable future”.

“Infrastructure delivery remains council’s greatest challenge in coming years as transport, energy, waste and water systems are adapted to reduce emissions,” he said.

“Council has also created a Community Land Trust and adopted a suite of affordable housing policies that are ready to ramp up on ground projects. “

He said the shire required a “major rethink” on transport issues.

“With so many challenges before us, it is time to put aside the ongoing factional feuds that have divided council and diverted attention away from resident priorities for too long,” he said.

“I will bring fresh community-first leadership to council and encourage a respectful environment where all voices are listened to.”

Mr Cameron said he would like to see the Youth Council and Business Roundtable reinstated, along with the establishment of a new Creative Industries Roundtable.

“A focus will be on bringing people together so that we can move forward on much needed projects such as activating the rail corridor for all and a faster rollout of safe connected bike and walking paths,” he said.

“In consultations with the NSW Government, my voice will be your voice in advocacy for services such as public transport and returning a fairer share of state taxes for local infrastructure projects.”

He said the council should be “empowered to make the best decisions for our community” on planning issues.