Who’s who: Byron Shire Council election candidates profiled ahead of 2024 NSW Local Government elections
Away from Byron’s A-listers and wellness influencers, issues like a lack of affordable housing and homelessness are banging on council’s door. Here’s what these candidates plan to do about it.
Byron Shire
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Byron Shire – where Hemsworths, hippies and the well-heeled mingle – has in a period of a few decades metamorphosed from sleepy countercultural mecca to full-blown tourism gem.
But with that change comes a fresh set of issues for council to tackle.
Today, Byron is a playground for the elite, the cashed-up wellness influencers and Hollywood stars; a favourite for the likes of Matt Damon and Zac Efron.
And then there’s Byron Baes …
However, the pristine township and its surrounds are still a refuge for the transient, the van-lifers and the international tourists looking for the quintessential Aussie beachside lifestyle.
Byron arguably has something for everyone.
In the heart of the shire on Byron Bay’s main drag, a transformation is underway on Johnson St. High-end restaurants, low-rise luxe accommodation and swanky retailers have replaced the tie-dye T-shirt and dreamcatcher adorned shop fronts.
In terms of Byron Shire Council, housing affordability, housing supply and homelessness are the key priorities in this year’s local government elections on Saturday, September 14 – hot topic issues for most Northern Rivers councils.
You can find out where to vote on election day here.
Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon will be contesting his current seat, which he has held since 2021.
Sarah Ndiaye, deputy mayor, is actively campaigning for the mayoral position, a popularly elected public vote along with 28 other electorates in NSW.
Eight councillors are to be elected among 23 candidates.
The Byron Shire News has profiled five candidates who hold first position in each ballot group.
Here’s what they have to say:
Michael Lyon, Mayor (independent)
About Michael: Mr Lyon has been Byron Mayor since 2021. He is also the chair of the Northern River Regional Organisation of Councils.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Byron Shire in the lead-up to this election?
“The key issues haven’t changed. Housing is by far the biggest issue facing our community – facing the country really – but in a place like Byron it is the key critical issue,” Mr Lyon said.
“The second thing I think is worth noting is how hard businesses are struggling. It has knock-on effects with housing and the overall cost of living crisis.
“Council is limited in what we can do, but it’s important to do whatever we can to support the community.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I’m honest, transparent and from day one have always stood up for the community’s best interests even if they aren’t popular with council,” he said.
“I have a proven track record with the 60-day cap, where the NSW Government has endorsed a change for non-hosted holiday letting to 60 days per year for most of the Shire.
“I’ve always gone in to bat for the homeless and families doing it tough.”
Mr Lyon said he “absolutely loves” his job as mayor.
“I’m not afraid to take on the issues that matter and I believe in myself and what I offer.
“I would be honoured to have the opportunity to continue to represent you (the community) and get us through challenging times.”
Asren Pugh (Labor)
About Asren: Mr Pugh is a current sitting councillor. He is also vying for the mayoral position, having done so in the last election. His day job is running the family business, Byron Bay Muesli, manufacturing in the Byron Bay Arts and Industrial Estate.
Mr Pugh has a background as an environmental campaigner and lives in Bangalow with his wife and two children.
He attended Byron Bay High School and loves the “diversity, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit” in the shire.
Mr Pugh said “there’s no better place in the world to live”.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Byron Shire in the lead-up to this election?
“Housing and homelessness are without a doubt the key issues. The latest rough sleeping count has skyrocketed. Byron has the highest number of rough sleepers in any NSW electorate,” Mr Pugh said.
“We’ve already had conversations with housing minister Rose Jackson to meet with frontline homelessness services in the shire. We have also spoken with state and federal ministers about accessing funds that were handed down in the latest budget.”
Mr Pugh said he was “devastated” by the loss of Byron Bay Bluesfest and the “enormous impact” it has had on the community and the local economy.
“Now we are seeing businesses in town that cannot afford staff due to the loss of that revenue and tourism influx. It cannot be underestimated how big of an impact festivals have on the local economy. In the lead-up to Bluesfest, the whole country is talking about Byron,” he said.
“Council at the moment is not doing a good enough job of nurturing the future of festivals.”
Why should people vote for you?
“We need a Mayor that can drive a positive vision for our shire with our community at its heart,” he said.
“I’m focused on getting things done. There’s a lot of talking in this town. If you want to get projects over the line, we need to start doing rather than just chatting about it.
“I also want to start saying yes to more from the start rather than just a flat-out no, especially in the creative industries.
“I have a very good relationship with state government ministers and will work in partnership with them to deliver a new festivals and arts plan.
“I grew up here, I love living here and I love my community.”
David Warth (independent)
About David: Mr Warth is a wildlife documentary filmmaker from Byron Bay. This is his first time running for council, however, he was an independent candidate for the seat of Richmond in the federal election. He is also in the mayoral race. Before Mr Warth was a filmmaker, he was heavily involved in tourism, having owned three dive centres in the region. He has an extensive background promoting the region and as a lifelong scuba diver, appreciates the beauty of Byron’s “world-class” waterways.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Byron Shire in the lead-up to this election?
“I have a lot of concerns about financial downturn across the shire and am seeing a number of empty shop fronts. Owners are basically giving up,” Mr Warth said.
Mr Warth said a combination of high rents and high land taxes were putting increased strain on small business owners in the shire.
Mr Warth said the region’s “amazing” tourism offering could be better promoted.
“Byron Shire is a multi-billion dollar enterprise, what we have here, council needs to be across it,” he said.
“This is an amazingly diverse and capable community. We have national parks to the south, north and west – and marine reserves seaward.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I’m doing it for the community. This is the community I love. When I came here in 1999 I was blown away by the nature, the community and the culture. It’s a truly stunning part of the world,” he said.
“If I become mayor I will become a very public face. Council needs someone to promote the region from a deeply personal perspective – so that is what I plan to do.”
Sarah Ndiaye, Deputy Mayor (Greens)
About Sarah: Sitting councillor Sarah Ndiaye was elected in December 2021 and elected Deputy Mayor in February 2022. She has served for Byron Shire Council since 2016. A passionate voice for the Greens, Ms Ndiaye is a fierce defender of the natural environment.
In 2023, Ms Ndiaye was recognised for her contribution to local government through the Ministers Award for Women in Local Government – Elected Representative Regional Rural and by Greens NSW for winning an award for her successful campaign to address the housing crisis.
She is actively campaigning for the mayoral seat.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Byron Shire in the lead-up to this election?
“Balancing the incredible natural beauty of the place and the housing crisis is the key focus,” Ms Ndiaye said.
“The floods caused $300 million in damage in the shire in a single day. We need that critical infrastructure to get back on track.
“We really need a more transparent, compassionate and effective council.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I’m experienced, trustworthy, principled and hardworking and I have an incredibly dynamic team of intelligent, local women who will work hard for council,” she said.
“In our team are two amazing Bundjalung women, including one traditional owner. It will be a different council all together.
“It feels like the right time for change. I feel like people are sick of the same old, same old – people want a council that are willing to listen.”
Ms Ndiaye said she has been receiving positive feedback from the community. The feedback “They know who I am and have seen the incredible team behind me, It’s the right time for a change.” I’m getting are getting – eight years, know who I am, have seen the incredible team behind me. It’s the right time for a change.
Ms Ndiaye said she was not opposed to development, but wants to ensure council will closely scrutinise what she deems as harmful developments.
“It’s not about stopping development, it’s making sure it’s happening in sustainable way, which means not building on flood-prone land or land home to critically endangered species,” she said.
Jack Dods (independent)
About Jack: Mr Dods is a designer born and raised in Bangalow and is part of Bright Future Byron, an “independent group of candidates free from party politics, giving voters an alternative to Greens or Labor”.
This is Mr Dods’ first time running for council.
According to the Bright Future Byron website, Mr Dods would bring “local expertise and a deep understanding of urban design, masterplanning and development management” to council if elected. He holds a bachelor of architecture and masters of architecture from the University of Sydney, as well as an urban design specialisation from Columbia University.
Since 2018, he has served on numerous Byron Shire Council advisory committees, “gaining valuable insights into council functions”.
“He believes in focusing on local issues, free from party politics and maximising council’s limited time and resources,” the Bright Future Byron website states.
Mr Dods did not respond to questions by deadline.
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