Local councils have adopted the maximum allowable pay rises for the new financial year, but Edward River’s elective representatives argue it still does not adequately reflect what is required of them.
The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (LGRT) set the maximum increase for all councils at three per cent.
The amount paid is determined by a designated classification based on the council’s location and size.
Edward River Council is classified under as ‘Non-Metropolitan Rural’, which sets the maximum fee for councillors in 2025/2026 at $13,930 a year, with an additional fee of $30,390 for Mayor Ashley Hall.
Overall, this represents a total increase for the nine person council of $4580 for the year.
As nearby Murray River Council is classified as ‘Non-Metropolitan Rural Large’, its maximum allowable fee is $18,890 a year for councillors, with Mayor John Harvie receiving an additional $40,530.
In debating the increases at the June meeting, a number of ERC councillors said they did not feel the pay for rural councillors was adequate.
Cr Linda Fawns also expressed concern that the fee would not be enough to entice people to stand for local government in the future.
“While we don't do this for the money - and we don't because we put in way more hours than the allowance covers - it's important to highlight that a lot of us are actually taking time out of our businesses, out of our working lives, to contribute as part of the community.
“It does come at a great expense and I would like to see our fee lift up to the next point.
“I think if we want to attract people going forward, it's important that we do have an allowance there that actually covers their time.”
Through discussion, it was also highlighted that despite stepping in to represent the mayor occasionally, Deputy Mayor Kellie Crossley does not have access to an additional fee.
Cr Hall said he felt this should be addressed by the Office of Local Government.
Cr Shirlee Burge further suggested council consider putting a motion to the Local Government annual conference to address the pay concerns.
She said as well as more adequately addressing the tyranny of distance, an increase in fee would also better reflect that smaller councils are making decisions for and taking criticism from people they know and love, and not a faceless group of ratepayers.
“We are a rural, smaller area - which is what they designate to us - and they have no comprehension of the travel involved, of the spaces out here and the dedication and difficulty.
“If we're in the Hills Council or Northern Beaches, or whatever, you make decisions based on people you don't know.
“We have a harder onus on us to deal with people we love, and people who are combative, and it’s very difficult for us to be graded so low.
“The challenge is for our growth strategy to lift our population, and accordingly we might be paid what would be a fair and reasonable salary.
“Most of us are walking away from our day jobs to attend (meetings and meet other council obligations).
“I think the New South Wales Government or Local Government Association need to have a long hard look at why are we being paid thousands of dollars less per annum than someone just because they live in Wagga.
“I don't agree with the system, and I'd love to see a resolution put up to state level and see what we can do about that.”