The data collected from Moyne, Corangamite, Warrnambool, Southern Grampians and Glenelg shires’ annual reports showed more than $1 million was spent on mayor and councillor allowances and more than $200,000 went to expenses reimbursement.

Councillors at Glenelg and Moyne claimed the most for expenses and were collectively reimbursed for $74,000 and $61,000 respectively. All Victorian councillors are entitled to claim expenses for travel, car mileage, child care, IT and some training.

Southern Grampians Mayor Mary-Ann Brown said the councillors covered a large area geographically and local government was much more accessible for the community than any other government tier. “I think the community would be poorer without local government,” she said.

Corangamite Mayor Jo Beard said she hoped if ratepayers weren’t happy with the job councillors were doing they would let them know. 

She said it was important for there to be diversity on councils and the allowances provided an incentive to attract a range of people. “I certainly don’t do the role for the money, but the money certainly helps me do it,” she said.

Moyne Mayor Jim Doukas said he covered a lot of kilometres in the job and was happy to do so. He said he believed the mayoral allowance was more than adequate.