Two councillors have pledged to donate their annual wage increases to community and charity groups after a “challenging” budget was handed down this month.
Christian Dickson and Taylor Bunnag took to social media yesterday to say they will pass on their 3.25 per cent pay rises, amid an increase in rates and Sunshine Coast Council cuts.
Mr Dickson, who represents parts of Buderim, Palmview and Sippy Downs, outlined his reasons why.
“Given the current state of council’s budget and the expectations of our community, I wish to advise that I will not be accepting the proposed 3.25 per cent pay rise,” he said.
“Instead, I will be donating the equivalent amount to local charities, including Bloomhill Cancer Care and the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge.”
Mr Dickson said he was disappointed with elements of the budget.
“The rate increases, the lack of project investment in our area and dog registrations going from $30 to $63: these are all things I argued against in the budget process,” he said.
“One thing that doesn’t sit well with me at all is the fact that councillors are now supposed to receive a 3.25 per cent wage increase. How can you get paid more when we’re in this poor situation?
“Not only that but council staff have been exiting the organisation.”
Mr Dickson revealed why he chose to pass on his pay rise to Bloomhill Cancer Care.
“It is a fantastic group and a group that I know will take this money and help those people that are suffering. It will certainly help the carers and volunteers at the group.”
He also said he would contribute to the animal refuge.
“I love animals, I love pets.”
Mr Bunnag, who represents an area from Maroochydore to Coolum Beach, also said he would pass his wage increase on.
“I’ll be donating what I receive from my 3.25 per cent pay rise to local community groups,” he said.
“I am excited to share that the first recipient will be Maroochy Little Athletics, with $1300 going towards a new trailer for them. There will be more groups supported throughout the year and my intent is to keep it local.”
He outlined why he will forego the pay rise, which was determined by an independent commission.
“The budget (that) council handed down recently was really challenging and my young family, like everyone else, will be paying more for rates and dog registration.
“As a leader, taking a wage freeze at this time I felt was the least I could do, to demonstrate unequivocally to the community and staff at council that I understand how difficult this budget has been.
“It doesn’t improve the bottom line for council at all in real terms, but it will help some of our community groups.”
“I respect that everyone’s circumstances are entirely different and it’s up to other councillors as to how they manage the increase,” Mr Bunnag said.
“But … I know for a fact that some of my colleagues are way more generous than me personally towards community groups with financial support. Rarely do they seek or get any credit for their generosity.”
The council includes Mayor Rosanna Natoli and 10 councillors.
