Byron 1 Asren Pugh

MAYORAL and council CANDIDATE

Group: Labor

Asren Pugh

Current occupation and background:

I grew up here and run our family-owned business, Byron Bay Muesli.

Community involvement?

I’ve been on council for 2.5 years and am committed to getting things done. I changed council’s policy to finally support the Rail Trail and am now focused on getting it built. I busted through the bureaucracy to deliver the Beacon Laundry in Bangalow, now employing over 40 vulnerable people.

Are you or have you been associated with any political party or cause?

Fundamentally, I am an environmentalist. I set up the national Community Organising Program for the Australian Conservation Foundation. I have been a member of the Labor Party for a long time.

Preferential voting suggestions?

We will be preferencing Group E for council and leaving it up to voters to decide preferences for the mayor.

Top three issues facing your area?

Building the Rail Trail – end to end. Working with the state government to deliver real social and genuinely affordable housing. Implement ing a plan to support a vibrant, healthy community and economy that delivers for local businesses, our creative industries and gets the basics right.