With the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal concluding its review for the year and determining an increase in fees of 2.5% is appropriate.

However, both the Mayoral and Councillor fees are to be paid at the maximum level.

The increases are effective from July 1, 2018 and the minimum and maximum fees per annum are:

So in 2018/19 the Mayor will be paid $43 170 and individual Councillors $19 790.

The associated Council report prepared by Anthony Egan says the 2018/19 draft budget makes provision for a 2.5% increase in fees and payment of maximum fees.

It recommended that Council approve the payment for the maximum fees to the Mayor and Councillors in line with past practices.

Meanwhile, Council also adopted the Burdekin Park Fly-Fox Camp Management Plan.

And, despite the controversial nature of the issue no written submissions were received during the exhibition period.  Although one verbal comment was made relating to including a section in the plan referring to “the impacts on human health of flying-foxes”.

The plan outlines to the community the importance of flying-foxes in the environment, how Council will manage site, and how there is a link between the site and broader Hunter Region.

It also provides a link between the recently adopted Burdekin Park Landscape Plan and the objectives of the OEH’s  Flying-Fox Camp Management Policy.