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Local Government in Western Australia began in the mid-19th century with the Towns Improvement Act 1838. Legislation has evolved since then, and today the Local Government Act 1995 has been amended more than 35 times to ensure it is a modern piece of legislation that supports the functions of the sector.
Local Governments touch almost all areas of our lives regardless of where we live.
Generally, Local Government is responsible for:
- infrastructure and property services, including local roads, bridges, footpaths, drainage, waste collection and management
- provision of recreation facilities, such as parks, sports fields and stadiums, golf courses, swimming pools, sports centres, halls, public camping grounds and caravan parks
- health services such as water and food inspection, some immunisation services, toilet facilities, noise control, meat inspection and animal control
- some community services
- building services, including inspections, licensing, certification and enforcement
- planning and development approval
- administration of facilities, such as marinas, cemeteries, parking facilities and street parking
- cultural facilities and services, such as libraries, some art galleries and museums
- water and drainage services, and
One of the strengths of Local Government in WA is its diversity. Council's geographic areas, and the size of the populations, vary greatly across the State. The largest council by area in the whole of Australia is the Shire of East Pilbara, covering 372,000 square kilometres.
Local Government revenue comes from three main sources:
- taxes in the form of rates
- charges for the sale of goods and services, and
- grants from Federal and State/Territory Governments.
