Local councillors are set for a pay rise in 2024 after a review of the remuneration categories of Queensland councils.
From July 1 the Sunshine Coast mayor will have a $7347 pay rise, with the deputy mayor to pocket an extra $5091 and councillors an extra $4460.
The Noosa mayor will receive an extra $5299 per year, with the deputy mayor to obtain a $3312 pay rise and councillors to see a $2815 increase.
The announcement comes following a comprehensive review during 2023 where the Queensland Local Government Remuneration Commission determined a new set of council remuneration categories and new maximum remuneration levels.
The commission is required to complete a review of the remuneration categories of Queensland councils once during each local government term.
Its review has been outlined in the Local Government Remuneration Commission Annual Report 2023.
According to the report, Sunshine Coast was previously a Category 7 council and under the updated remuneration schedule is now categorised as E2, alongside the Logan City and Moreton Bay Regional councils.
Under category E2, the mayor will earn $252,233, while the deputy mayor will receive $174,761 and councillors $153,141.
Data from the 2013 annual report revealed that, as of July 1, 2014, the Sunshine Coast mayor received $205,666 and the deputy and councillors were paid $142,497 and $124,868 respectively.
This is a significant increase of $46,567, $32,364 and $28,273 respectively over the decade.
As of 2024, Noosa Council is categorised as B3, where it was previously a Category 3.
It falls in the same category as Isaac Regional Council, Whitsunday Regional Council and Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
Under category B3, the mayor will earn $146,593, while the deputy mayor will receive $91,620 and councillors $77,876.
This is a significant increase from 10 years ago after the Noosa Shire Council de-amalgamated from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
According to the 2013 remuneration report, the mayor received $117,523, deputy mayor $73,452 and councillors $62,434 as of July 1, 2014.
This is a increase of $29,070, $18,168 and $15,442 respectively over the decade.
According to the commission’s 2023 report, the categories are determined by revenue thresholds, with category B (including category B3) incorporating revenue of $50.1m to $125m.
Category E (including category E2) incorporates revenue of $500.1m to $1b.
A report presented to the Noosa Council General Committee Meeting on January 15 outlined the review process.
“On December 1, 2023, the Local Government Remuneration Commission, an independent entity established under the Local Government Act 2009, concluded its review of council remuneration categories of Queensland councils,” the report started.
“The review included consultation with Queensland councils and other stakeholders and considered the size, and geographical and environmental terrain of local government areas; the population of local government areas, including the areas’ demographics, the spread of population serviced by the local governments and the extent of the services the local governments provide; and any other matter relevant to the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of local government.”
The report also outlined what would occur if a councillor did not serve their position for a full year, plus that councillors would receive additional payment for “reasonable expenses”.
“Should an elected representative hold a councillor position for only part of a financial year, they are only entitled to remuneration to reflect the portion of the year served,” it stated.
“In addition to the remuneration determined by the commission, councillors receive payment for reasonable expenses incurred in discharging their official duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Noosa Council ‘Councillors’ Expenses Reimbursement and Provision of Facilities Policy’.”
The changes will be relevant to the newly elected mayors and councillors following the March 16 local government election.
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