At last week’s ordinary council meeting, 21 May, councillors resolved to keep councillor fees to the minimum required under the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (LGRT) despite a recommendation from council officers that a higher rate be determined. The LGRT has handed down its 2026 report and has increased fees by 3.7% effective 1 July 2026. Under this recommendation it places the minimum councillor fee at $10,920 and a maximum of $14,450 and the additional mayor fee at the minimum level of $11,620 and a maximum of $31,510. In council papers it was determined that the appropriate level within these ranges for 2026/2027 should be councillor fees $12,881 and the additional mayor fees set at $22,670. In introducing the report Temora Shire Council mayor Rick Firman said that it puts councillors in a difficult position to determine their own renumeration. “I do recall last year that we put to you that we did not take the proposed increase and that’s something may like to do again,” Cr Firman said. “We know it is a serious time for rural councils in NSW and the Temora Shire is no exception and whilst it can be argued it is only $5500 saving, I still believe it would send a strong message to our community that we’re doing our best in terms of role of councillor.” Deputy mayor Councillor Graham Sinclair put forward a motion to only adopt the minimum amount saying that due to the current financial position of the council he would like to see discussion around going back to the minimum amount. “It’s still a reasonable amount of money and as the mayor said, it’d also be strengthening a message to the public that we’re cutting back where we can,” Cr Sinclair said. Councillor Belinda Bushell said that she endorsed Cr Sinclair’s position. In further discussion Councillor Paul Mahon said he was keen to investigate the idea of applying to the Office of Local Government (OLG) to see if council could be exempt from paying councillors fees for 12 months. General manager Mellisa Boxall said that it a legislative requirement that a concillor fee is paid. The request or the suggestion from Cr Mahon would have to be put to the OLG for consideration, but I’ve previously sought advice from them, and they made it very clear that council did need to pay a fee to councillors,” Ms Boxall said. “The councillor can donate that money back to council or to a community organisation, for example.” The motion was moved by Cr Graham Sinclair, seconded by Cr Belinda Bushell and the motion was carried with one dissenting vote from Cr Anthony Irvine.
