The 2024 Byron Shire Council election was held on 14 September 2024 to elect eight councillors and the mayor of Byron Shire. The election was held as part of the statewide local government elections in New South Wales, Australia.
Incumbent mayor Michael Lyon sought re-election to a second term but was defeated, placing 4th by first preference votes. He retained his council seat, which he has held since 2016.
Background Three weeks before the election, incumbent mayor Michael Lyon was charged with assault and stalking after an alleged domestic violence incident. Lyon secured an interim suppression order to stop the media reporting on the case on August 19, on the basis that publicity could harm the alleged victim, but he failed to secure a permanent suppression order in Tweed Heads Local Court in late August after objections from the Sydney Morning Herald and other media outlets.
Following the charges, Mark Swivel and Meredith Wray withdrew as candidates for Lyon's "Byron Independents" group. Swivel joined the Labor Party, while Wray joined the "Bright Future Byron" group.
Electoral system Like in all other New South Wales local government areas, Byron Shire Council elections use optional preferential voting. Under this system, voters are only required to vote for one candidate or group, although they can choose to preference other candidates.
All elections for councillor positions are elected using proportional representation. Sydney is an undivided council and uses an Australian Senate-style ballot paper with above-the-line and below-the-line voting.
Voting is compulsory for anyone on the New South Wales state electoral roll.
Candidates Mayoral candidates Candidates are listed in the order they appeared on the ballot. Party Candidate Background Byron Shire Compass David Warth Filmmaker Sarah Ndiaye Byron deputy mayor since 2022 Asren Pugh Byron councillor since 2021 Michael Lyon Byron mayor since 2021
Councillor candidates Labor Byron Shire Compass Byron Independents Asren Pugh Janet Swain Mark Swivel Peter Doherty Diana James Linda WatsonDavid Warth Susie Figgis Nyck Jeanes Trisha Gizas-BarkerMichael Lyon Max Foggon Rhett Holt Jeannette Martin Greens Bright Future Byron Ungrouped Sarah Ndiaye Elia Hauge Delta Kay Michelle Lowe Nell SchofieldJack Dods David Michie Meredith Wray Niamh DoveLucy Vader
Results Mayoral results
Councillor results
References