I FIND myself puzzled by the impending Fraser Coast Regional Council Elections, particularly concerning the divisions that encompass our Hervey Bay distribution area.

For new candidates aiming to secure a position in a division at the expense of an incumbent councillor, the challenge is substantial. 

The electoral guidelines set by the Electoral Commission limit campaign expenditures to $15,000, covering various aspects like signs, social media advertising, and websites.

While the same spending cap applies to incumbent councillors seeking re-election, they possess the intangible advantage of incumbency earned through four years of full-time service. If they have performed well, victory seems almost assured, creating what I perceive as an uneven playing field.

Several divisions will witness uncontested runs by sitting councillors, prompting reflection on the state of the electoral process. 

In divisions with vacant seats due to councillors stepping down, the field of applicants lacks the diversity and enthusiasm observed a decade ago, indicating a concerning trend for our region’s development.

One wonders if the issue lies in remuneration. 

With a yearly salary just above $96,000 for councillors, close to $110,000 for the Deputy Mayor, and $166,000 for the Mayor, it is certainly well above the average full-time wage in Australia of $74,000 per year.

Is the compensation grossly inadequate to attract individuals with the necessary skills and fiscal acumen for these crucial roles?

The disparity becomes more apparent when comparing the NSW Local Government model, where councillors in a like-for-like regional city to Hervey Bay receive between $14,000 and $25,000 annually. 

In this context, they function more as a Board of Directors, contributing their expertise on a part-time basis.

These local councils are littered with high functioning, commercially successful individuals.

Could adopting such a model lead to the recruitment of more qualified and capable individuals for our local government positions?

I hold the deepest respect for those presently serving on council or seeking election, I wouldn’t do it.

But there seems to be a notable lack of eagerness to assume these roles when you compare the applicant volume levels to previous elections.

It's an interesting one. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts.