Missed our Byron Shire Meet the Candidates live community q and a forum? Don’t worry, we saved it for you.

Official NSW local government Election Day is on the 14th of September, which gives you plenty of time to catch up on some of what Byron’s candidates reckon they will and won’t do if they’re elected.

Bay FM has teamed up again with Echo Publications to bring you this chance to hear from those vying for your vote as they introduce their campaigns and answer questions from their diverse community.

Hear from all four 2024 Byron Shire Mayoral candidates, a fifth group leader and the shire’s only ungrouped candidate, as well as a few other candidates listed in groups.

Six candidates are given one minute each to answer questions from community representatives ranging from youth to business leaders, environmentalists and housing advocates.

Topics canvassed include E-bikes and other public transport options, short-term rental accommodation regulations, public land including the future of Byron’s Main Beach carpark, floodplain development, and permanent employment of a council ecologist and hydraulogist.

Part One: campaign introductory speeches

In Part One we hear from each of the six candidates on stage as they introduce their groups, where applicable, and campaigns. The Greens also chose to use their introductory speech time for other group members to speak. Listen here.

Part Two: First Nations, youth and a home for Queer Family

In Part Two we hear from each of the six candidates on stage as they answer questions around support for First Nations peoples, youth and the local LGBQTIA-plus community. Listen here.

Part Three: short-term rental accommodation regulations; E-bikes, public transport and the rail trail; flood plains and data

In Part Three we hear from each of the six candidates on stage as they answer questions around short term rental accommodation regulations, E-bikes and public transport, development on flood plains and the inclusion of 2022 flood data in planning documents. Listen here.

Part Four: public land, Main Beach car park, wildlife and a council hydraulogist

In Part Four we hear from each of the six candidates on stage as they answer questions around public land, including the future of the car park overlooking Byron’s Main Beach, the timing of infrastructure upgrades, and whether the council should employ a permanent ecologist and hydraulogist. Listen here.

PIC: Byron Shire Meet the Candidates 2024 panel (L-R): Jack Dods; Sarah Ndiaye; Michael Lyon; Mia Armitage; Aslan Shand; Asren Pugh; Lucy Vader; David Warth (Kate Payne)

Thanks to: all Byron Shire Council 2024 candidates; everyone who submitted a question, especially those who came to present one; Bay FM volunteers Mia Armitage, Kate Payne, Michelle Michels, Anny Reed, Monet Shortland, Danny Salfield, Jazz, Mae Soper, Isolde Kopping, Denise Prentice, DJ Cruizy, Ange Kent, Paulette McCosker, Matt Day, the rest of the management committee, the program team, the rest of the station volunteers and book-keeper Rebecca; The Echo team, especially Aslan Shand, Hans Lovejoy, Simon Haslam, Paul Bibby, Anna, Jeff Dawson, Ziggi Browning; The Byron Theatre team, especially Jon, Kristina, Han, Jamie and Peta. Very special thanks to volunteer candidates coordinator Joanne Langton. Special thanks also to the Community Broadcasting Foundation, which continues to support Bay FM’s Community Newsroom, helping make this event possible.