Pay rise for councillors

The recommendation was unanimously passed during the council meeting on Wednesday night which gives a 2.5 per cent pay rise to all councillors.

Cr. Catherine Parsons says the agreement had a fair outcome.

"Overall when you look at the whole area (of Cessnock)….it's a fair amount to pay," Cr. Parsons said.

The increase means that Cr. Pynsent's salary is now $55,650 during the 2013-14 financial year, an increase of more than $1300.

The decision also increases the salaries of all 12 councillors who are now set to receive $17,490 for the 2013-14 financial year, an increase of $430.

Deputy Mayor Graham Smith is also set to also receive an extra $800 in any event where he acts in the office in the mayor, which would then be deducted from Cr. Pynsent's salary.

The pay rise was made possible following the decision by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal in April, which increased maximum salary allowance for all council members across NSW by 2.5 per cent.

The increase comes in response to the 2.5 per cent rise of the consumer price index between March 2013 and March 2012 as well as the 3.4 per cent rise of the wage price index between December 2011 and December 2012.

While there was unanimous support by the local council, some local residents have strongly disagreed with the pay rise.

Local resident and caretaker of security at Cessnock TAFE, Walter Upson believes the pay rise isn't needed.

"I don't think they deserve it…I think the money should be better spent on roads,” Mr. Upson said.

“The road into my street is disgusting…You can always tell when you are on Cessnock Council roads.”

Local resident Andrew Murray also doesn't approve of the pay rise, arguing that he has not seen an improvement in infrastructure, public services or public transport since 2007.

"Council approving a pay increase only means that desperately needed funding is going to be spent on those who are supposed to be fixing, or attempting to improve these issues," Mr. Murray said.

Cr. Parsons responded to those who disagree with the pay rise, arguing that the level of pay does not match the amount of time councillors commit as members.

"If people were to understand the amount of hours put in by councillors and also the amount of time spent with community consultation, the amount they are paid is rather insignificant compared to the rate of pay in other organisations," she said.

Surrounding councils such as Maitland City Council, Newcastle City Council and Singleton City Council have yet to increase the salaries of their council members, following Newcastle City Council rejecting the same motion in June 2012.

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Matthew Karstunen is a first-year journalism student at the University of Technology Sydney.