Prominent women join cohort of council candidates ahead of September election

The newly-announced group of candidates features “intelligent, active and principled women”, according to the currently-serving councillor who leads their ticket.

More of the Byron Shire’s candidates for the upcoming council election have been revealed.

In late April currently sitting councillor Cate Coorey said she was undecided about whether she would run again.

But she has now announced she will lead the Community Byron ticket, joined by Delta Kay, Kim Goodrick and Bronwyn Morris.

“I can’t believe how fortunate I am to have such a great group of women on this ticket,” Ms Coorey said in a statement on social media.

“I don’t need to introduce Delta Kay to anyone as she is the one that has introduced us all to her country – working for the National Parks and Wildlife Service and now in her own business.

“My personal experience of Delta is why I asked her to join my ticket – we have worked alongside each other over several years now – in protecting West Byron, campaigning to keep rocks of our beaches and, more recently, sharing her knowledge of Tallow Creek and sea country with the students I teach at Byron Community College. I admire her immensely and she is also good fun to work with.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing a campaign platform with these intelligent, active and principled women of our community; they are what this shire needs.”

Ms Goodrick, from Eureka, was a scientist with a background in safety and risk assessment and high-hazard industries.

She has been an advocate for enforcing appropriate zoning when short term holiday letting and wedding venues arise.

She has lobbied for warning signage at the base of the Cosy Corner cliff since her son, Connor Meldrum, fell from there in 2019.

“Risk management should be at the heart of everything we do,” she said.

“We must think more carefully about the consequences of our action (or inaction) and weigh up the risks, whether that be on climate change or housing affordability.”

Bronwyn Morris was involved in the campaign opposing the West Byron residential developments.

“Respecting balance in both our natural and built environments is essential for a healthy, sustainable community,” she said.

“The best outcomes are achieved when we work together, pooling our skills and wisdom.

“If we work together, Byron Shire can still remain a special place and not be loved to death. I support Cate as she works collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes for the Byron Shire.”

Other independent tickets are headed by current mayor Michael Lyon and local lawyer Mark Swivel.

Byron Labor and Byron Greens have also named their candidates and current Nationals councillor Allan Hunter has confirmed he would run again.

Local government elections will be held on September 4, delayed a year due to Covid-19.