The newly elected councillors will receive a boost in their pay after the Queensland Local Government Remuneration Commission (the Commission) re-categorised Noosa Council from a Category 3 to a B3, along with Isaac, Whitsunday and Lockyer Valley councils.
From 1 July 2024 the remuneration paid to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors of the Category B3 Council will be $146,593 pa (an increase of $5,299 pa) for the Mayor, $91,620 pa (an increase of $3,312 pa) for the Deputy Mayor and $77,876 pa (an increase of $2,815 pa) for each councillor.
In addition 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’ established under Section 250 of the Local Government Regulation 2012.
The Commission, an independent entity established under the Local Government Act 2009 and chaired by former Mayor Bob Abbot, concluded its review of Queensland council remuneration categories on 1 December 2023.
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.
At its general meeting on Monday councillors noted the changes with Cr Brian Stockwell describing it as a good review of remuneration.
