Councillors get pay rise

Andrew Mathieson
COUNCILLORS across the region will pocket another pay rise 12 months after voting themselves the maximum increase to their part-time allowances.
The wage boost will be indexed from December 1 according to a directive from Local Government Minister Richard Wynne.
Geelong councillors’ salaries reached $26,378 at the end of last year after council’s biggest pay rise.
Councillor Andrew Katos, who holds a finance portfolio on Geelong’s council, said the latest increase was “fairly standard”.
“Considering it is a smaller rise, it shouldn’t cause too many rumblings.”
Cr Katos said most workers “wouldn’t have too much trouble” seeking a 2.5 per cent pay rise from their bosses.
Ratepayers Victoria president Jack Davis slammed the latest pay rise.
“I believe councillors are over-paid,” he said.
“Across the state, but especially (in) Geelong, councillors should reject any further increases considering the current rates that have been thrusted upon ratepayers.”
Surf Coast Shire said it “chooses not to respond” to the Independent’s question about the pay rise.
Borough of Queenscliffe council failed to return the Independent’s call for comment before the paper went to press.