Rich list of Warwick’s top-earning public servants, businesses revealed
Public servants and private business owners are raking in the cash across Warwick and the wider Southern Downs. See the full list of those earning the big bucks and how much they’re worth here. FULL LIST
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Public servants and private business owners in major industries are some of the state’s highest paid professionals, and those in Warwick are certainly no exception.
From representatives at all levels of government to prominent businesses and more, many of the region’s most influential figures are taking home the pay packets to match.
A in-depth review of public documents by the Daily News has revealed just how much public servants and major businesses across Warwick and the wider Southern Downs are raking in each year.
2016 Census data revealed the average household income in the Southern Downs state electorate was $53,508, which is placed in stark contrast to the high-ranking individuals earning more than $360,000 per annum.
See Warwick’s full rich list below:
PRIVATE
Wickham Freight Lines
The major Warwick transport company generated enormous amounts of revenue in the 2020-21 financial year, with commercial data compiler Dun and Bradstreet putting its turnover at a whopping $83.03 million.
Graham and Donna Keogh, Darren and Lynelle Eather, and Hadyn and Kerri Lamb head up one of the major employer, which services North Queensland down the east coast to Victoria.
John Dee
With John Dee another one of the Warwick area’s biggest job generators, modelling reports from Dun and Bradstreet put the meat processing facility’s annual revenue at $41.08 million.
The same report estimated the John Dee packing and exports base at Spring Hill turned over a collective $15.85 million a year.
The Hart family remains at the helm of the generational family business, with Bob Hart stepping back from his role as company director in 2017 to pass the reins to his nephew John and chief executive Warren Stiff.
Cassels Automotive
Cassels Automotive is among the most prominent car dealerships in the region and reportedly brings in the revenue to match, with modelling estimating its annual revenue at $27.1 million.
David Cassels has been the dealership principal for more than a decade, taking over from highly regarded businessman and Parmalat owner Graeme Collins in 2008.
Warwick Credit Union
Headed up by chief executive officer Lewis von Stieglitz, commercial data revealed the Warwick Credit Union generated $13.28 million in the 2020-21 financial year.
The Warwick Gympie Dalby Credit Union group has a customer base of more than 14,000 and directly employs almost 50 staff.
Carey Bros Meats
Dun and Bradstreet data estimates the annual revenue from the Yangan meat processing facility to be $20.72 million.
Greg Carey is the man behind the huge employer, and last year secured massive State Government funding that enabled a significant expansion and further boost to job numbers.
PUBLIC
Member for Southern Downs James Lister – $159,122
James Lister was elected as the state member for Southern Downs in 2016, taking over from longstanding representative Lawrence Springborg.
According to the Review of Base and Additional Salary Levels of Members of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for 2021, state politicians receive an annual base salary of $159,122.
State members can then receive from an additional $24,083 for being a member of a parliament committee.
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud – $211,250
As the Federal Member for Maranoa and Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud receives an annual base salary of $211,250.
Magistrate Julian Noud – $368,332
First brought onto the Warwick judicial circuit in January last year, magistrate Julian Noud has quickly made his mark on the region’s court and crime sector.
Documents from the Department of Justice and the Attorney General revealed the base salary for a Queensland magistrate is $368,332 per annum.
This figure leaps to $389,711 for a District Court judge and $433,012 for judges presiding over a Supreme Court.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi – $130,583
He was elected as the region’s leaders in March last year after close to 20 years as a councillor.
The annual report revealed Cr Pennisi also incurred the highest amount in expenses during the financial year at $9389.38, which includes professional development and conferences, travel, and legal fees.
Southern Downs Regional Council CEO Dave Burges - $300,000 to $399,994
Stepping into the role last year after his predecessor’s unexpected resignation, SDRC chief executive Dave Burges is being well-rewarded for his efforts with a pay cheque between $300,000 and $399,994 per annum.
While the SDRC 2020-21 annual report did not specify which council executive was in this pay bracket, a council spokeswoman later confirmed the salary “did reflect the CEO”.
The figure makes Mr Burges the highest-paid public servant at the council and potentially within the region.
Southern Downs Regional Council executives
Those in executive roles at Southern Downs Regional Council bring home some of the biggest pay cheques in the region.
The 2020-21 annual report revealed five senior contract employees received $200,000 to $299,999, stipulating that not all of those were for the full year due to staffing changes.
Southern Downs councillors – $69,371.90 to $81,615.04
Elected representatives Andrew Gale, Marco Gliori, Cameron Gow, Cynthia McDonald, Jo McNally, Stephen Tancred, and Sheryl Windle each took home $69,371.90 in the 2020-21 financial year.
Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley was the only councillor to rake in some extra cash with his remuneration totalled at $81,615.04.
The eight councillors also racked up a collective $38,558.48 in expenses
Warwick school principals - $162,244 (on average)
Government data reveals principals at Warwick state schools are paid between $119,227 and $205,261, depending on their seniority.
Public schools in the immediate area include Warwick State High School, Warwick East, Warwick Central, and Warwick West.
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