District Council of Cleve: History
The District Council of Cleve is derived from Jervois County, which was incorporated into the District Council of Franklin Harbour when that council was first established in 1880. In 1911, the western end of the county was severed from Franklin Harbour, resulting in the creation of the present council.
The district's major towns were well established when the new council was announced, with Cleve established in 1879 and Arno Bay in 1883 under the name of 'Bligh'. Darke Peak was established in 1914, only three years after the council came into being.
Since before the council's establishment, the economy of the region has been based on agriculture, with cereal crops and livestock production prominent. Aquaculture is an emerging industry in the coastal towns.