Team of candidates led by Byron Shire councillor Alan Hunter would put finance front and centre

An existing councillor, in his second term and running for a third, has named the group of candidates who will stand alongside him.

Byron Shire Councillor Alan Hunter has confirmed he will run for re-election this September and has named his running partners.

New South Wales councils will go to the polls on September 4.

Mr Hunter, who will have spent nine years as the only conservative on the council by then, said that time had been “a constant battle against misguided ideology”.

“I would like to get a lot more done this term if elected, but we now need to refocus on community priorities in these very uncertain times and not on outside politics,” Mr Hunter said.

On Mr Hunter’s ticket will be long term local Sue Stirton, who has a family and business in Park Street, Brunswick Heads, Coopers Shoot resident Bruno Filippello, who brings invaluable experience through his many years in the corporate world and the management of teams with a focus on strategy, innovation and people and Byron Bay local Rhett Holt, who with his partner runs a B&B and works in sustainability technology.

Mr Hunter said financial management was a key issue facing the council.

“We simply can’t ignore our finances as we have in the past such as chasing whimsical passions that will never eventuate like getting a train service back,” Mr Hunter said.

“Council have spent almost $400,000 to find now we are now no closer to reinstating a train, much less getting a rail trail with a walking/cycle track that would provide a perfect opportunity for tourism and add to local amenities.

“Against my strong objection, council also took on a number of court challenges, despite the advice from three legal sources against them, and lost, incurring not only our own costs, but those of the court and the defendant.

“If elected my team will concentrate on improving council services and community satisfaction, housing shortages, traffic management through making our roads work better, improving drainage and flood management strategies and building a pedestrian/cycleway along the rail corridor.

“There is a real need for change and removing block voting on key issues, but we need the support of people who want a sensible approach to our shire, not one that sees us continually sliding backwards.”

Independents have been dominating the council race so far, with current mayor Michael Lyon, local lawyer Mark Swivel, Councillor Cate Coorey and Councillor Basil Cameron all leading independent tickets.

Byron Greens have retained one existing councillor, deputy mayor Sarah Ndiaye, on their ticket which is led by Duncan Dey.

Byron Labor’s group of candidates is led by Asren Pugh and includes existing councillor Jan Hackett.