Simon Richardson’s fellow councillors, council GM and MPs reflect on his time as Byron mayor as it comes to an end | VIDEO

Another community leader has said Byron Shire mayor Simon Richardson would leave behind a “significant and profound” legacy after almost nine years in the role.

There were some emotional moments as other community leaders farewelled outgoing Byron mayor Simon Richardson during his last day in the job.

Byron Shire Council and government representatives gathered at Ocean Shores Country Club for an announcement of state funding for roads and bridges on Friday; it was Mr Richardson’s final official duty as mayor.

He last week announced he would step down from the role early, ahead of the September election.

At the event on Friday, Nationals Member of the Legislative Council and Byron Bay resident Ben Franklin became emotional as he thanked Mr Richardson for his leadership and friendship.

“I’m surprised how deeply moved I am today, but I know what you’ve been through over the last few years on a personal level and professional level,” Mr Franklin said.

Outgoing Byron mayor Simon Richardson with councillors Sarah Ndiaye, Jeannette Martin and Michael Lyon on Cr Richardson's last day with the council at Ocean Shores Country Club on Friday, April 30, 2021. Picture: Liana Boss

He said the mayor had been subject to some “utterly outrageous” public commentary during his time in the role.

“But I say this: the legacy that you have left for this shire will be significant and profound,” he said.

The council’s general manager Mark Arnold said if he could choose a super power, it would be “to have the voice and the words that Simon has”.

“Simon has given his absolute all to the Byron Shire community,” Mr Arnold said.

Richmond MP Justine Elliot said there had been some “major achievements” during Mr Richardson’s time on the council.

Richmond Labor MP Justine Elliot, Nationals MLC Ben Franklin and Greens councillors Sarah Ndiaye and Jeannette Martin at an event to mark outgoing Byron mayor Simon Richardson's final day on council at Ocean Shores Country Club on Friday, April 30, 2021. Picture: Liana Boss

“It really reflects your capacity to work with all levels of government,” she said.

“With you it’s all about getting results and working with people.

“You’re committed to making a difference and the fact is you’ve done that.

“You’ve made a difference to the lives of people here in the Byron Shire.”

Councillor Sarah Ndiaye has described Mr Richardson as “a visionary thinker, fabulous communicator, highly intelligent, compassionate” person who had helped to deliver an “enormous list of achievements”.

Nationals MLC Ben Franklin takes a photo of outgoing Byron mayor Simon Richardson with fellow councillors and staff no Cr Richardson's final day in the role at Ocean Shores Country Club on Friday, April 30, 2021. Picture: Liana Boss

“I will always feel very lucky that I was able to sit on this council with Simon Richardson at the helm – we owe him enormously for his contribution and I wish him every success in his new endeavours,” she said.

Deputy mayor Michael Lyon said they were farewelling a “fantastic mayor”.

“He’s delivered projects on the ground,” Mr Lyon said.

“He’s brokered really good relationships with other governments that aren’t necessarily flying our flag.

“He’s managed to cut through the politics.”

A special cake was prepared for Simon Richardson's last official duty as Byron Shire mayor. Picture: Liana Boss

He said Mr Richardson had gone a long way to building a more positive culture between councillors and staff.

Councillor Alan Hunter said he had “a lot of admiration” for the mayor’s navigation of a difficult term of council, although he disagrees on some of his decisions around major projects.

“But I don’t blame Simon for it, he got elected by the ratepayers and he did what he said he would do,” he said.