The first local government in Australia was established in Adelaide in 1840. Today, there are around 700 local government bodies in Australia accountable to a diverse range of metropolitan, regional, rural, and Indigenous communities. Of these, 539 are regional/rural. There are about 6,600 elected councillors in Australia with an average of just under 10 councillors per council.

Although local government has been in existence for more than 160 years, it is not yet recognised in the Australian Constitution.

One of the great strengths of local government is its diversity. The population and geographic size of councils differ greatly. The largest local government authority by population is the Brisbane City Council with 970,000 residents. The average council population is 28,400. The largest council by area is the Shire of East Pilbara in WA covering 379,000 square kilometres (population 5,500).

Local councils spend more than $20 billion each year providing an increasingly broad range of infrastructure, economic and community services to residents. In total, councils employ around 167,000 people.

In Queensland, there are 73 councils that represent the interests of the communities within their local government area. Their role is to decide facilities and services, and make local laws to help provide a safe and orderly community. Traditionally councils have provided services such as roads, water supply and sewerage, but more and more, councils are now involved in the social, economic and cultural development of their communities and in improving the liveability, sustainability and
prosperity of their regions.

Here are some resources to help you discover more about local government in Queensland, and how you can be involved -  

All About Local Government in Queensland

What is Local Government?    Online Tutorial coming soon

Local Government Week

Working for Local Government

Local Government Services

Facts and Figures about Local Government in Australia