Noosa-less councillors get same pay for 'less work'
SUNSHINE Coast councillors will not lose any pay from January 1, despite the region handing a significant slice of rate income and area to the new Noosa Council.
Two of the 12 Sunshine Coast Council divisions will transfer to Noosa as a result of the de-amalgamation.
John Fancourt, an Alexandra Headland community member and council observer, suggested a cut in responsibility should be matched by a cut in pay.
"With a reduction in their overall responsibilities, it is not unreasonable to expect councillor salaries should be reduced proportionately, particularly given some are virtually invisible," Mr Fancourt said.
Reader poll
Should Sunshine Coast councillors be paid the same after Noosa splits?
This poll ended on 21 December 2013.
Current Results
Yes, it's a tough job.
14%
No, the job's just not as big any more.
80%
Personally I think they deserve a pay rise.
5%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
"However, given the serious reduction of responsibility enjoyed over recent years by the council CEO ... initially losing water and now some one-third of the shire, in view of his escaping any reduction of his extremely generous salary, realistically, I won't hold my breath in expectation of any councillor voluntarily 'doing the right thing' and voting themselves a pay cut, to help ease regional budget pressure."
A council spokesman said the new Sunshine Coast Council would remain in the same salary band that determined current wage rates.
"The Remuneration and Discipline Tribunal determines a 'band' for each Queensland council according to size, geography, etcetera," the council spokesman said.
"The de-amalgamation of Noosa has not changed Sunshine Coast Council's band status, so there will be no change to salary structures on 1 January, 2014."
Mayor Mark Jamieson has a base salary of $196,809. Councillors' base salary is $119,491.
A pay increase is due to take effect from July 1 next year.
