COUNCILLORS in Tamworth were some of the most expensive in the state, according to an Office of Local Government report.
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In the 2016/17 financial year, councillor expenses topped $171,000, which was the fifth highest tally in the state.
Blacktown council had the largest bill for its elected representatives with a $322,000, followed by Campbelltown ($258,000), Shoalhaven ($227,000) and Lake Macquarie ($213,000).
The Tamworth councillor expenses were in addition to the combined $207,000 in fees paid to the councillors and mayor and a further $6000 for overseas travel.
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Mayor Col Murray was surprised to hear the councillors had chalked-up such a large expense bill.
“That would seem like pretty high number, I don’t think our councillors do that much travel,” he said.
“They’re all pretty modest on what conferences they go to, some don’t go to anything.”
He said councillor expenses could also include airfares, event registration, meals and accommodation.
According to council’s policy register, councillors are allocated $4500 annually for training, conferences or workshops relevant to their role.
The mayor is allowed an additional $5000 to go to industry forums, meetings with state and federal MPs or other events they may be expected to attend.
Councillors also get $2000 annually to attend either the Local Government NSW or National General Assembly of council conferences.
They are also able to claim up to $4000 a year for travel to commitments within the local government area.
The Office of Local Government councillor expense guidelines state costs must not be open-ended, but do not dictate any particular monetary limit.
It said policies should be “flexible” to determine what is affordable and acceptable to individual communities.