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Daily Operations
Local Government

Daily Opening Checklist for Local Government

A comprehensive checklist to ensure your council premises are ready for the day. Covers security, equipment, and environment checks before trading begins.

Daily
15-20 minutes
15 items
Compliance Note

Supports Local Government Act compliance, freedom of information requirements, and public accountability standards.

Complete Checklist

  • 1
    Disarm security system and record entry time in the daily log
    Critical
  • 2
    Conduct a walkthrough of all areas to check for overnight issues or damage
  • 3
    Turn on all lighting including signage, display lights, and common areas
  • 4
    Adjust heating or air conditioning to appropriate temperature for the day
  • 5
    Power on all computers, point-of-service request systems, and EFTPOS terminals
    Critical
  • 6
    Verify internet connectivity and test key council applications
  • 7
    Check phone system is operational and voicemail messages are reviewed
  • 8
    Count and verify opening cash float against the expected amount
    Critical
  • 9
    Restock consumables at workstations including paper, pens, and receipts
  • 10
    Review the daily schedule and confirm staff roster for the day
  • 11
    Check that community member-facing areas are clean and presentable
  • 12
    Ensure all emergency exits are clear and accessible
    Critical
  • 13
    Review any overnight emails or messages requiring urgent attention
  • 14
    Confirm scheduled deliveries and their expected arrival times
  • 15
    Update daily specials, promotions, or notice boards as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should the daily opening process take?

A thorough opening process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. Staff should arrive with enough lead time before the council opens to community members. Rushing the process increases the risk of missing critical items that could affect safety or community member experience.

What should we do if an issue is found during the opening check?

Document the issue immediately, assess its impact on operations, and determine whether the council can open safely. For critical issues like security breaches or safety hazards, escalate to the council owner or facilities manager before proceeding. Minor issues should be logged for resolution during the day.

Who should be responsible for completing the daily opening checklist?

Typically, the opening manager or shift supervisor should complete the checklist. Having a single responsible person ensures accountability and consistency. In smaller businesses, the owner or a trusted senior staff member often takes on this role.

Need help implementing these checks into your daily operations?

Our team can build custom checklists integrated into your daily operations workflow.