The Role of Council
There are three levels of government in Australia:
- Federal Government
- State Government
- Local Government
The State Government makes laws which govern the powers of Local Government. Most of these powers are outlined in the Local Government Act which contains information on how councils are established, how elections should be run, how and when councils should meet, how rates are to be charged, how councils can spend money and what councils can do.
Like all councils, the City of Sydney has responsibilities under other Acts, including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Public Heath Act, and Companion Animals Act. Councils also have the power to make their own regulations and by-laws.
Local Government exists to:
- provide a representative, informed and responsible decision-maker acting to develop the community and its resources in a socially just and environmentally sustainable manner;
- ensure the responsive and effective provision and coordination of public services and facilities at the local level; and
- initiate and promote effort within a local community; and represent the interests of local communities to the wider community.
The functions of the City of Sydney include:
- providing for the development of its area;
- providing services and facilities that benefit the area, its ratepayers, residents and visitors;
- protecting health;
- providing for the welfare, well-being and interests of individuals and groups within the community;
- representing and promoting the interests of its ratepayers and residents;
- establishing and supporting organisations and programs that benefit people in its area or local government generally;
- protecting the environment and improving amenity;
- providing the infrastructure for industry;
- attracting commerce, industry and tourism;
- managing, improving and developing resources available to the Council.
Last Updated: Wednesday 13 April, 2011
