Woollahra Council has a Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy which enables the reasonable and appropriate reimbursement of expenses and provision of facilities to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors to help them undertake their civic duties.

We've recently reviewed the Policy and made some updates.

We are now inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft document by Friday 31 October 2025.

View the draft Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy.

Overview

Our Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy aims to ensure accountability and transparency, and seeks to align councillor expenses and facilities with community expectations. Councillors must not obtain private or political benefit from any expense or facility provided under this Policy.

We've updates the Policy and we're exhibiting it for community feedback.

The key changes are:

  • updates to ensure the Policy is consistent with the relevant provisions of the Act (section 252 and 253) and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021;
  • updates to ensure Policy aligns with the Office of Local Government Expenses and Facilities model suggested template policy and the Guidelines for the payment of expenses and the provision of facilities for Mayors and Councillors in NSW, issued by the Office of Local Government;
  • increased cap amounts that can be claimed relating to a number of categories;
  • additional information added to the Legal and Insurance clauses, including more guidance on insurance and legal provisions to Councillors while they are acting in their official capacity and in good faith;
  • clarification of the payment of Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel (SECPP) fees;
  • clarification on payment schedules and timing for expenses claims by Councillors; and
  • the provision of laptops in addition to iPads to Councillors.

Council resolved on 25 August 2025 to approve the draft Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy to be placed on public exhibition.

Have your say

We want to hear from our local community. We invite you to share your ideas and feedback via one of the following methods:

  • Online: Please complete the survey form below.
  • Email: we also accept feedback via email direct to records@woollahra.nsw.gov.au quoting reference: draft Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy 2025
  • Mail: Letter addressed to the General Manager at Woollahra Council, PO Box 61, Double Bay NSW 1360

Feedback closes 11.59pm on Friday 31 October 2025.