About Council

A Council's principal purpose is to deliver appropriate local services in a friendly and efficient manner. The organisation has a responsibility to serve the community with integrity and diligence. A Council can positively influence local conditions and the daily lives of residents, workers and visitors by effectively planning the range of services and resources it provides.

Included within Council's areas of responsibility are town planning, the supervision of building codes, the construction and maintenance of local roads, streets and bridges, local area traffic management, public health, environmental protection, waste and sanitary services, community recreational facilities, services for young people and people with a disability, State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service, economic development and libraries.

Local Councils receive their powers from the State Government and are influenced by other State Authorities, most notably Planning NSW and the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA). While these bodies act largely in an advisory capacity, their Ministers do have certain discretionary powers.

For more information about Council click on the following links:

• Councillors
• Information on Elections
• Learn About Council (Council Clues)
• Organisation Structure
• Wards

For further information about the role of Local Government in NSW, visit the Department of Local Government's website at: http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/. 

• Department of Local Government - General Publications