Local Government



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Careers in Local Government - What is Local Government?
Careers in Local Government
Careers in Local Government
What is Local Government?

Local government is the tier of government which is often considered to be the most relevant to us in our daily lives. It also interrelates with both State and Commonwealth governments through funding arrangements for specific programs and areas of mutual interest. For example, State and Australian policies will impact on issues such as immigration and environmental laws and policies relating to seniors and childcare.

The roles and responsibilities of local government can include:
  • 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, sport centres, halls, camping grounds and caravan parks;
  • health services such as water and food inspection, immunisation services, toilet facilities, noise control and meat inspection and animal control;
  • community services, such as child care, aged care and accommodation, community care and welfare services;
  • building services, including inspections, licensing, certification and enforcement;
  • planning and development approval;
  • administration of facilities, such as airports and aerodromes, ports and marinas, cemeteries, parking facilities and street parking; and
  • cultural facilities and services, such as libraries, art galleries and museums.
Local government undertakes its work through local councils, where strategic direction is set by elected councillors, who represent the community to ensure needs are being met.

Key Facts for Local Government in Western Australia

Number of local governments in WA
  • There are 139 local governments in Western Australia. In addition, there are 2 local governments located in the Indian Ocean; Christmas Island and Cocos Keeling Island which operate under the auspices of the WA Local Government Act 1995. The Department has a Service Delivery Arrangement with the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services whereby it is required to provide the same level of support and advice that it provides to Western Australian local governments.
Size
  • In Western Australia the population, geographic size and revenue of councils differ greatly.
  • The largest council by area in the whole of Australia is the Shire of East Pilbara, covering 379,000 square kilometres and the smallest is in the Perth metropolitan area, Peppermint Grove, which covers 1.5 square kilometres.
Number of local government employees in WA
  • In Western Australia, more than 13,500 people are employed in local government.
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