Redland City councillors and senior executives took home more than $4.6 million last year, according to the council’s annual report.
Mayor Jos Mitchell earned $197,422 in salary plus $23,690 in superannuation, topping the list, while Deputy Mayor Julie Talty received $134,605 with $16,152 in super.
The city’s nine divisional councillors were each paid $116,660, with super contributions of $13,999, bringing total councillor salaries and superannuation to $1.55 million.
Councillors also claimed $193,891 in expenses for travel, training, conferences, entertainment and hospitality.
Mayor Mitchell’s expenses were the highest at $29,459 – including almost $6000 in transport costs – while Cr Paul Gollé recorded the lowest at $4,977.
Council said all spending complied with its official policy, ensuring councillors are not out of pocket while performing official duties.
Mayor Mitchell also joined a ten-day international business mission to Europe with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland, examining global infrastructure and planning projects ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
There was no cost to the council, with flights and accommodation covered by the Council of Mayors.
Councillors attended most of the 13 General and Special Meetings held over the year, with Mayor Mitchell at 11, Crs Wendy Boglary, Paul Gollé and Lance Hewlett at 12, and all other councillors attending every meeting.
The city’s Executive Leadership Team received a combined $3.07 million, including salary, superannuation and other benefits.
One executive – understood to be the CEO – earned between $500,000 and $600,000, five were paid $300,000 to $400,000, and two fell in the $200,000 to $300,000 range.
The disclosures give the public a full view of how millions in taxpayer funds are allocated to elected representatives and senior council staff, highlighting the cost of running the city and the council’s approach to transparency.
