Byron Shire councillors have elected their new mayor
Two independent councillors nominated to take on the role of mayor in the remaining four months of the current council term.
Community News
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Byron Shire Council has formally voted in its new mayor.
Councillors were required to vote for a new leader at their planning meeting on Thursday, the council’s first meeting since former Greens mayor Simon Richardson stepped down from his role at the end of April.
Councillors Michael Lyon – who had been acting mayor since Mr Richardson left the council – and Basil Cameron were both nominated to take on the role.
Mr Cameron urged his colleagues to consider his experience on the council in their votes.
“I do stand on my record here,” he said.
“This is my third term. I’ve been deputy mayor five times now.
“I’ve acted as mayor in the past.”
He said it was significant he chairs the infrastructure and finance committees.
“My record will show the amount of work I’ve done with community during my term and prior,” he said.
My Lyon said he would foster “a sense of inclusion and hearing all points of view but having the strength to make big decisions” if elected.
“The key issue for this community right now is housing and we need to act quickly on this housing emergency and make sure our community and our key workers have somewhere to live,” he said.
“I will bring a sense of honesty and transparency to this council.”
Mr Lyon secured the role of mayor in a 5-3 vote.
He was supported by Crs Sarah Ndiaye, Alan Hunter, Jeannette Martin and Paul Spooner.
Mr Cameron was supported by Crs Cate Coorey and Jan Hackett.
Sarah Ndiaye was elected as deputy mayor in a vote against Mr Cameron.
As the former mayor was also a Rous County Council delegate, councillors also voted for a replacement for this role, which Cate Coorey will fill.
Ms Ndiaye and Mr Lyon also elected for the Rous role.
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