By Jeremy Sollars
Southern Downs councillors are due to vote on a proposed pay rise at their January general meeting to be held in Stanthorpe this Wednesday.
A report to councillors states Queensland’s Local Government Remuneration and Discipline Tribunal has recommended a maximum 2.1 per cent increase for councillors across Queensland, compared to a maximum of 2.25 per cent last financial year.
If adopted by councillors at this week’s meeting the pay rise would take effect from 1 July.
Councillors have the option of voting to forego the increase and re-direct the funds to “another operational budget activity”.
The proposed new pay scales are as follows…
• Mayor Tracy Dobie – increase from $127,898 to $130,584
• Deputy Mayor Jo McNally – increase from $79,936 to $81,615
• Councillors (x7) – increase from $67,945 to $69,372
The combined total increase in remuneration would be $14,354, effective 1 July 2019.
• Visit www.freetimes.com.au for updates later this week.