In short:
Wyndham councillors have obtained a pay rise after the State Government brought forward a major review of council allowances originally not due until 2029, with the city placed into a new higher-paying category.
Pay Packet Review Expedited
Victorian councillors have received an early pay rise after the State Government brought forward a comprehensive review of council allowances by three years, with Wyndham among a handful of fast-growing councils placed into a new higher-paying category.
The Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal handed down its new determination on 18 August, replacing a comprehensive review that would ordinarily not have been required until 2029.
The review was brought forward after Tribunal Chair Warren McCann wrote to then-Local Government Minister Nick Staikos in June 2025, arguing the existing eight-year timeframe was too long to address concerns raised by stakeholders.
Mr Staikos formally requested the new determination in February this year after consulting with the Minister for Finance.
The Tribunal subsequently created a new Category D specifically for rapidly growing councils, placing Wyndham alongside Casey, Greater Geelong, Hume, Melton and Whittlesea.
Wyndham In Special Growth Region Bracket
Under the new structure, Wyndham councillors will receive a base allowance of $49,000, while the Deputy Mayor allowance is $64,130 and the Mayor receives $157,920.
The Tribunal said factors behind the broader review included changes to the complexity and workload of councillor roles, increased time commitments and difficulties attracting and retaining people with appropriate skills.
The changes take effect retrospectively from 1 July 2026.
Wyndham TV contacted the State Government asking why the comprehensive review was brought forward from 2029 to 2026 but did not receive a response.
Wyndham City Council also declined to comment on the new allowances.
