NEWS DESK
Deputy mayor’s 72% allowance increase ‘not an increase’: Mayor FOLLOWING the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal’s decision to grant pay rises to councillors, deputy mayors and mayors across Victoria, Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Anthony Marsh has released a statement to “set the record straight”. The mayor stated “the deputy mayor’s allowance has been increased from $34,588 to $59,659. However, this new allowance is not an increase but a correction”. Cr Marsh said the “correction” was in recognition of how the role of deputy mayor had evolved significantly over recent years. The article that sparked the response (“Councillors collect healthy
pay rise” The Times 23 March 2022) stated the base rate for councillors had increased from $31,444 to $35,972. On top of the $31,444 paid to councillors, the shire has been paying an extra amount as superannuation payments. Superannuation payments to councillors has been an issue of contention. Councillors were not traditionally recognised as employees of the local governments and therefore not subject to superannuation law. This resulted in a recommendation from the Local Government (Councillor Remuneration Review) Panel in 2008 to pay an additional amount above the determined rate equivalent to superannuation, or
for the council to become an Eligible Local Governing Body (ELGB) under the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (Cth) which would effectively render councillors employees. The Times contacted Mornington Peninsula Shire to clarify if they are an ELGB, but did not receive a response. If the shire are an ELGB, councillors are treated as employees and superannuation is paid at the statutory rate. If they are not, an equivalent sum is paid to councillors and they can choose whether to keep the extra allowance or to “salary sacrifice” the amount into a recognised superannuation fund. The latest determination rolls the
extra allowance paid to councillors in lieu of superannuation into the new base rate. Cr Marsh said “for too long, standing for council has been restricted to those who are retired or who could afford to work what amounts to a full-time job for less than half of the average fulltime wage”. In a statement sent to The Times, councillor David Gill said “I believe that councillors these days have been well compensated for what I still regard as an honour to be elected to represent our community.” “I am hearing angry words directed at the media for raising this issue. Surely the main point is to always have trans-
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Frankston Times
29 March 2022
parency about how ratepayers money is spent.” The value of allowance paid to Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors is set to increase further from the new determined amount to $38,047 per annum from 18 December 2023. The value of allowance paid to the Mornington Peninsula Shire deputy mayor will increase to $66,286 per annum from 18 December 2025. The allowance paid to the Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor is set to increase to $132,573 per annum from 18 December 2025. The increase represents a 20 per cent increase in mayoral allowance over three and a half years. Brodie Cowburn
LANGWARRIN Fire Brigade members with Dunkley MP Peta Murphy. Picture: Supplied
Grants handed out GRANTS have been handed out to two more organisations through the Dunkley Volunteer Grants Program. The Greek Senior Citizen Club of Frankston & Mornington Peninsula has received $5,000, and the Langwarrin Fire Brigade has claimed $2,500. The Greek Seniors Club will use its grant funding for an upgrade of its kitchen and to buy fuel. The fire brigade will use the money to purchase new racking and mounted clothes hangers. The Langwarrin Fire Brigade has recently welcomed 12 new recruits. Dunkley MP Peta Murphy said that the fire brigade “plays such an important role in our local community, as first responders for fires and road rescue, and by coordinating fire safety programs in our pre-schools, schools and wider community.” “In 2022, Langwarrin Fire Brigade is celebrating their 90th year in service. I’d like to congratulate them on a rich history which includes being the first CFA to have women in active duty,” she said. “I’m pleased to support Langwarrin Fire Brigade with this funding which will allow them to grow and recruit new volunteers.”
Flood prevention cash splash KINGSTON Council will spend $4.5 million on projects to minimise the risk of flood damage in Chelsea and Edithvale. One of the projects is underway at Thames Promenade in Chelsea, and is expected to take 20 weeks to complete. A stormwater pumping station is being built, alongside stormwater drainage pipes and pits. Footpaths and vehicle crossings are being replaced as part of the project. The Mulkarra Drive/Thames Promenade intersection is expected to close at times in the next 20 weeks while works are undertaken. Another project in Edithvale, stages three and four of the Edithvale Flood Management Project, is also going ahead. A new drainage system as well as concrete kerbs, pram crossings, footpaths, vehicle crossings, and an asphalt pavement are being built on Montrose Avenue. The drainage system will run down Keith Avenue and along Kinross Avenue. Kingston councillor David Eden said that recent flooding disasters in Australia highlighted the need to take action. “Unfortunately, you only have to look to Queensland, northern NSW and Sydney at present to see the devastating impacts floods can have on communities and the safety and livelihoods of our community is always at the forefront of our minds,” he said. “We will keep working to ensure our infrastructure is of the highest possible standard and I am looking forward to seeing these significant drainage projects come to fruition.”