By Xavier Smerdon
WYNDHAM City councillors have given themselves a pay rise.
The three per cent raise will increase their annual pay packet to $25,549, while the pay packet of the mayor increases to $81,610.
Local activist and Werribee resident for more than 30 years, Lori Mclean, said she could not find any reason why councillors deserved a pay rise.
“I think they should be able to say why they deserve this raise, what have they done?” Ms Mclean asked.
But Cr Cynthia Manson said residents shouldn’t be concerned about the marginal increase.
“Being a councillor is not about the money”, she said.
“It’s about the dedication to community service.
“Anyone with a part-time job working for award rates or above would actually earn more than a councillor.”
Ms McLean, who ran for State Government at the last election, said there were far more pressing issues councillors should deal with.
“When we see some of these roads unblocked, and we’re not stuck in traffic for hours, then maybe they’ll deserve it,” she said.
“They are too busy building a new car park for their own staff.
“If they are paid just to plan, then they are doing a great job, but I would like to see them take some action.”
