LAKE Macquarie councillors have voted to award themselves and the mayor a pay rise, despite some internal conflict.
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Councillors receive $22,240 per year, including the mayor, who receives an additional $59,100.
The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal recommended a 2.5 per cent increase in these amounts for the upcoming financial year.
This will take the wages to $22,800 for councillors and $83,380 for the mayor.
Councillor Barry Johnston was the only one to speak against the recommendation.
He argued last month's federal budget had placed financial strain on the council and councillors should "show a bit of responsibility and not go for an increase".
However, Cr Johnston was unsupported.