Local Government
Local Government is the third tier of government in Australia. There are in excess of 550 Australian Councils.
Local Governments are controlled by a governing body elected or appointed pursuant to a Local Government Act or similar legislation.
Purpose
The Declaration on the role of Australian Local Government by the ALGA notes that:
Local governments are elected to represent their local communities;
- to be a responsible and accountable sphere of democratic governance;
- to be a focus for community identity and civic sprit;
- to provide appropriate services to meet community needs in an efficient and effective manner; and
- to facilitate and coordinate local efforts and resources in pursuit of community goals.