My instant response to the original question is that I wouldn't feed them, let alone pay them. "My lot" are a bunch of retired ex-public service busybodies who get their kicks from interfering in the lives of other people, and haven't a constructive brain cell between them.

But it does raise a broader question, highlighted by TRTL's encomium to their selfless devotion to a difficult task (*choke*).

Would it not be better if these folks were completely unpaid for their "work"? For a start, councils would then be populated only by genuine amateurs, motivated by the care of their community. With only the obvious caveats - that any "insider trading" on development deals would be a significantly criminal, jail-able offence - we would see their deliberations shorten, their decisions more community-relevant and their costs re-allocated to constructive uses.

And while we are about it, let us put the same rules in place for State and Federal Government as well. Or as an entirely either-or alternative, ensure that our representatives to those Parliaments are measured and remunerated on their ability to pass only legislation that they committed to in their election manifesto.

As it stands, we are condemned to the worst of all worlds - venal, money-grubbing semi-professionals out to feather their own nests, and using our money to do so.

Yes it is easy to knock a council, far oo easy, they are after all a target that does not move.
Long ago I found myself working for one, well thats not quite true you loyter about unless you want to be noticed no real need to work exists.
But I wanted to work! always and forever wanted to work, do what I was paid to do.
That put me on the outer for a start but my job was a dirty one, one that frightened some I had to find illegal pipes dumping sewage into the rainwater pipes.
And find evedence of the T peice pipes that ran town water into the drains all night into the septic tank takeing both water and septic into the drains.
Council stood firm against average home owners threats and for a while that beach and lake was cleaner.
Now my local council openly says they are unable to stand against threats or stop raw sewage running past my door!
Diferent council different area and 35 years after but we do not need councilors. we need contractors working for state goverments and rate payers.

Belly
I tell you what else we need. A policy of no advise given by phone. Anybody wanting info on building or extentions should get it in writing.
My family made four calls to the Gold Coast City Council before Xmass. We enquired if we needed a permitt to put up shade sails. NO Was the 4 reply.
Three meters of decking to extend our balcony. No was the answer.

We were told to put our water tank one and a half meters from the wall as well.
Our ten year old above ground pool we didnt require a permitt for or a child proof fence because we had twelve feet brick fences and lock gates. etc.

After being raided by a council jerk[ mind you my daughter was in the pool in you nickers and bra] we are now served with show cause and enforcement notices. The creep actually told me to shut up! when I tried to tell him we had only done what the council told us on the phone he then said he would issue a on the stop fine of hundreds of dollars and anything I may say may be taken down and used in evidence against me in court.
this is going to cost us many thousands of dollars.
All because we did as they!! instructed. Sake The council.
Appoint a public company voloteers- anything is better than these arrogant big headed misinformed bastards!