Understanding our organisation
The City of Clarence Strategic Plan 2025–2035 sets the long-term direction for our organisation and provides the framework that guides Council decision-making, priorities and investment.
It reflects our shared ambition to build a city that is inclusive, sustainable, connected and thriving for current and future generations.
Our vision, mission and values
Our Vision
Clarence – a vibrant, prosperous, sustainable city
This vision reflects our aspiration for Clarence to be a place that balances growth with environmental stewardship, strengthens community wellbeing, and celebrates the unique character of our city. It describes the future state Council seeks to achieve for the community and provides the foundation for the strategic priorities outlined in the Strategic Plan.
Our Mission
To respond to the needs of the community through a commitment to excellence in leadership, advocacy, best practice governance and service delivery
Our mission defines Council’s fundamental purpose, why we exist and who we serve. Council serves the Clarence community by providing effective leadership, delivering valued services and infrastructure, and advocating for outcomes that enhance quality of life and support a strong, resilient and growing city.
We work in partnership with our community to plan responsibly for the future, manage public resources wisely, and make informed decisions that reflect community needs, aspirations and long-term priorities.
Our Values
Our values guide how we work as an organisation and how we serve our community. They define the behaviours and principles that shape our culture, influence our decision-making and support the way we deliver services, engage with our community and manage public resources.
Our values are a key foundation of the Strategic Plan, providing a framework for how council operates and works towards achieving its vision and mission for Clarence.
These values guide how Councillors and employees can shape the future of the City of Clarence.
Working together
The City of Clarence operates under a model of democratic governance where elected members and the administration work in partnership to serve the community.
Councillors provide strategic leadership, set direction and make decisions on behalf of the community, while the Chief Executive Officer and employees are responsible for implementing those decisions and managing day-to-day operations in accordance with City of Clarence policies and legislative requirements.
This relationship is built on mutual respect, clarity of roles and shared accountability for outcomes. By working together in a collaborative and professional manner, Council and the council administration ensure decisions are well-informed, effectively implemented, and focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for the Clarence community.
Role of CEO
All councillors are collectively responsible for appointing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in accordance with s. 28(2)(d) of the Local Government Act 1993 as well as monitoring their performance. It is one of the most important functions of a councillor.
The CEO is the only employee appointed by the elected Council and is responsible for the overall leadership and management of City of Clarence’s operations. They ensure that Council decisions are implemented effectively and efficiently, and in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and budget allocations.
The CEO is accountable for the employment and management of all City of Clarence employees. This includes establishing a high-performing, professional and values-based organisational culture that supports the delivery of Council’s strategic objectives and services to the community.
In addition to operational leadership, the CEO provides advice and support to the Mayor and Councillors to assist informed decision-making. The CEO also ensures that Council is kept aware of key organisational, financial and regulatory matters, and that sound governance practices are maintained across all areas of council activity.
The relationship between the CEO and Council is central to effective local government, requiring open communication, mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving the Clarence community.
Read more about the administrative leadership team.
Roles of administration (operational) vs elected member
Clear roles and responsibilities between elected members and the administration are essential to effective local government, supporting good governance, sound decision-making and the efficient delivery of services to the community.
Councillors provide strategic leadership, represent the community, and make decisions on policy, priorities and long-term direction, while the administration, led by the Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for delivering city services, implementing Council decisions, managing day-to-day operations, and providing professional advice and support to inform decision-making.
Councillors do not direct individual employees or manage operational matters, but instead focus on setting direction and monitoring performance, with both Councillors and the administration working within their respective roles to ensure Council operates effectively and in the best interests of the community.
How to raise a matter (internal support process)
Councillors may, from time-to-time, wish to raise matters seeking information, clarification, action or further investigation. To ensure these requests are managed efficiently and appropriately, they are coordinated through the Office of the Chief Executive Officer.
All matters should be directed to the CEO’s Office in the first instance. This ensures requests are recorded and appropriately prioritised and allocated to the relevant Group Head or officer for a response or action. Where matters are complex or require further investigation, you will be advised of the expected timeframe.
Requests may include, but are not limited to, information or briefings, clarification on Council decisions, policies or procedures, operational queries, and community issues requiring investigation or a response.
Centralising requests through the CEO’s Office ensures a coordinated organisational response, consistency in advice provided to Councillors, appropriate prioritisation of workload across the organisation, and accurate record keeping and reporting.
This process supports transparent and efficient communication between elected members and the administration, ensuring matters are addressed through the appropriate channels while enabling officers to respond effectively and consistently on behalf of Council.
To raise a request please email: emrequest@ccc.tas.gov.au