THE FUNCTION OF COUNCILS

 

Local Government Act 1993

Version current from 1 July 2025 to date (accessed 30 July 2026 at 9:40)

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20.   Functions and powers

(1)  In addition to any functions of a council in this or any other Act, a council has the following functions:

(a) to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the community;

(b) to represent and promote the interests of the community;

(c) to provide for the peace, order and good government of the municipal area.

(2)  In performing its functions, a council is to consult, involve and be accountable to the community.

(3)  A council may do anything necessary or convenient to perform its functions either within or outside its municipal area.

(4)  A council may transfer to a single authority or a joint authority –

(a) any of its assets and liabilities on any condition it determines; or

(b) any of its employees.

(5)  A council may –

(a) acquire, hold, dispose of and otherwise deal with property; and

(b) sue and be sued in its corporate name.

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The purpose of local governance is to manage community affairs at the grassroots level. Local governments exist to provide essential public services, maintain local infrastructure, and ensure the health, safety, and overall welfare of residents.

Local governments exist to represent community interests and make daily decisions that impact residents' quality of life. Local governance is the closest tier of government to the public. Its core purposes include:

Service Delivery:

• Managing public goods like waste collection, local road and footpath maintenance, and the upkeep of community spaces like parks, libraries, and pools.Urban Planning and Development:
• Managing town planning, building approvals, and land subdivisions to control the layout and development of the area.CommunityRepresentation:
• Acting on behalf of local residents to advocate for their needs and provide a forum for public feedback.Public Health and Safety:
• Enforcing local laws, such as pet registration, parking regulations, noise control, and food safety inspections.
• AKA PLACEmaking

Perspectives on Local Government

Representatives and researchers highlight the grassroots importance of the sector. “The main role of council is to provide services and facilities for local communities, improve the quality of life for people in the council area and act in the best interests of both current and future communities.”LGA South Australia“

Local governance is the process of making and implementing decisions at the local level. It involves citizens participating in decision-making processes.”The Hague Academy for Local GovernanceTo understand how these principles apply to your specific area, you can learn more through resources like

What is local government?

LGA Tasmania or The role of local government - Fact sheet.Would you like to explore the specific services and regulations provided by your local council, or are you interested in how community members can participate in local decision-making?6 sites

Responsibilities of local governments 2 Dec 2025 — Community guide to local government in Queensland. Responsibilities of local governments. Local government roles.

Council service – Local Government, Water and Volunteers The role of local government. Local government is the level of government that works most closely with its constituency.

NB: The purpose of local government in South Australia is to govern and manage local communities. Operating under the Local Government Act 1999, councils are responsible for providing essential daily services—like waste management, local road maintenance, and parks—and making decisions that improve community well-being, safety, and future planning.... https://www.localcouncils.sa.gov.au/about/local-government