Representing around five million people across 79 Victorian councils, local government is the third level of government in the Australian federal system. It delivers a range of services and maintains important community facilities, resulting in significant benefits for all.
What is local government?
Here's just some of what councils do:
- organise and run local events
- provide community facilities such as libraries, swimming pools, parks and sporting grounds
- promote and help local businesses
- provide services for children and elderly residents
- promote cultural diversity
Councils are also responsible for administering and enforcing state and local laws related to matters like:
- land use
- planning and building
- environmental protection
- public health
- traffic and parking
- animal management
