COVID-19 to spark councillor pay cut considerations

Mayor Mark Jamieson says pay cuts or freezes for councillors and executives have to be considered in the COVID-19 response.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson fronts the media at Cotton Tree. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

MAYOR Mark Jamieson says pay cuts or freezes for councillors and executives have to be up for consideration as the new administration works to guide the Coast through COVID-19.

The Sunshine Coast Mayor was re-elected for a third term on March 28, securing just less than 50 per cent of first preferences, according to the latest Electoral Commission Queensland figures.

Guiding the region through the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic loomed as what would likely be the greatest challenge for the new council, which would feature five new faces.

"I think all those things (pay cuts or freezes) have got to be considered and the budget will be one of the priorities and will need a lot of revision based on the work that's already been done," Cr Jamieson said.

"They're things we need to consider, absolutely."

He said he was also mindful of ensuring council services weren't cut or more people put "on to the unemployment line", which would only increase pressure on the Federal Government and others.

He said the new council's priorities had to be to settle in properly, once the final ECQ declarations were made and councillors sworn in, and develop teamwork to provide the necessary "leadership and guardianship" of the region.

"The COVID-19 pandemic will cast a long shadow over 2020 and maybe beyond," he said.

He expected the new council would take a balanced approach, and important items of business included the recruitment of a new CEO and finalising some of the major projects under way.

He said the groundwork for many significant infrastructure investments was "well and truly under way", but noted the airport project had been delayed "a little bit" but was within reach of opening, while the new Maroochydore CBD was "well-advanced".

"I think we remain well-placed," Cr Jamieson said.

He said it was up to councillors how the new council ran.

"Given the changing circumstances, I think you've always got to be prepared to adjust your settings and deal with the things that are in front of you and require the most attention," Cr Jamieson said.

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