Pay cut for councillors

Southern Downs Regional Councillors have received a pay cut following a recent decision by the Local Government Remuneration and Discipline Tribunal.
Prior to the current review, remuneration levels were set within ranges within each category, with councils able to decide the remuneration amounts to be paid within those ranges. However, from January 1 the tribunal has decided to discontinue the practice of setting remuneration ranges and established a single remuneration level for Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors in each category of council.
This means that Southern Downs Regional Mayor Ron Bellingham will receive $109,719, Deputy Mayor Peter Blundell $68,575 and Councillors $58,288. The amalgamation loading of $2300 for the Mayor, $1540 for the Deputy Mayor and $1310 for Councillors will conclude at the 2012 election.