Using this handbook
This handbook has been designed as a practical reference guide to support you throughout your term as a Councillor with the City of Clarence.
The information is organised into key topics and can be accessed through the table of contents or by navigating directly to the section you need. Whether you are seeking information about governance, meeting procedures, councillor responsibilities, policies, strategic planning or support services, this handbook aims to provide a clear starting point.
The handbook is intended to complement, not replace, the legislative requirements and policies that guide local government decision-making. Where relevant, links are provided to key legislation, policies, procedures and additional resources.
As council’s practices, policies and legislative obligations may change over time, this online handbook will be updated periodically. You can choose to download any part or all of the handbook at any point in time. Noting the online version will always contain the most recent information. Each page will show the last date the content was updated.
We hope this online handbook becomes a valuable resource as you undertake your important role serving the Clarence community.
Getting started – your top 5 essentials
The first few weeks as an elected Councillor can be both exciting and challenging. The following five tips provide a practical starting point, to help you begin your term with confidence and contribute effectively from day one.
- Complete your Declaration of Office – this will happen at a Special Council Meeting or ahead of the first Council Meeting. The Chief Executive Officer will be in touch to inform you about this.
- Familiarise yourself with the meeting procedures and protocols for Council Meetings. Council meetings are not like the meetings you may be used to.
- Be aware of the requirements around pecuniary and conflicts of interest. You will find information in this handbook as well as the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (Code of Conduct) Order 2025.
- Be aware of the requirements around confidential use of and access to corporate and personal information. More about this elsewhere in handbook and Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (Code of Conduct) Order 2025.
- To set yourself up for the best chance of success, you should now consider the time you will be allocating to Council business and the community. It may be more than you were expecting.
