This is because the 2020 Local Government Remuneration Tribunal decided to not enact the standard 2.5 per cent increase typically given each year, thus keeping fees for local councillors the same possible range as they were last year.

This is largely in part to the impact of the bushfire crisis and COVID-19 pandemic, in their report the Tribunal explained as such. "... there have been a number of factors which have influenced the Tribunal's views in regard to the annual increase. These include the impact of the bushfires and the current COVID-19 pandemic on the state and federal economies and the wellbeing of our communities."

Typically a 2.5 per cent increase in the maximum and minimum fees payable to Councillors and the Mayor is agreed upon each year. Assuming the Council agrees to adopt the maximum fee which is generally the case.

On Wednesday night, councillors voted that their annual remuneration motion and have been advised to set the fees payable from July 2020 to June 2021. The fees as they stand are $20,280 for Councillors and an additional $44,250 for Mayor Des Kennedy's mayoral fee.

The fixing of these fees means that figure will remain in place until next financial year. The same rate that was adopted in 2019.

Past fee reports: