Mayors up for hefty hike in pay

THE state’s councillors and mayors are in line for an above-inflation pay rise after an independent tribunal recommended a boost to their pay packets.

From the start of the next financial year, every Queensland councillor and mayor – except those from Brisbane City Council – will be eligible for a 2.1 per cent pay hike.

The Local Government Remuneration and Discipline Tribunal made the recommendation late last year, but councils still have the power to reject the proposal.

Under the changes, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate will be eligible to receive up to $253,006 a year – making him the second highest paid mayor in Queensland, behind Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

The mayors of Logan, Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast councils would each be the third highest paid, with their pay packets now able to reach up to $228,521 a year – an increase of about $4800.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill will be eligible to receive just over $204,000 a year, making her the highest paid mayor outside of the southeast.

The mayors of Mackay and Cairns will also be eligible to receive annual salaries of almost $180,000 after the tribunal recommended their pay increase by about $3770.

A new Local Government Remuneration Commission, established late last year as part of a series of reforms to local government, will now determine council pay rises.