Local Government

There are 565 local governing bodies across Australia.

The Australian Government, through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, contributes to the prosperity of the economy and the wellbeing of all Australians by assisting local governments to manage their own futures, including providing essential services and developing effective planning initiatives.

• Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program

  On 3 February 2009, the Australian Government announced an additional $500 million to the previous $300 million Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) announced by the Prime Minister at the first meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government on 18 November 2008. For any queries please call the Information line on 1800 005 494.

• $25 million Local Government Reform Fund

  Over two years, the $25 million Local Government Reform Fund will help councils better manage their infrastructure and plan for future needs in their communities.

• Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG)

  Link to the Australian Council of Local Government website.

• Local Government & Planning Ministers' Council (LGPMC)

  Link to the Local Government and Planning Ministers' Council's website.

• Year of Women in Local Government 2010

  2010 is the Year of Women in Local Government. To support women's leadership roles in local government, the Australian Government will provide $490,000 for a range of projects to help improve the participation of women in the nation's councils and shires.

• Financial Assistance Grants

  The Commonwealth provides financial assistance grants to local government under the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995. Details are provided in this section.

• Supplementary funding to South Australian councils for local roads

  Information on supplementary local roads funding for South Australian local governments.

• National Awards for Local Government

  Find out about the criteria for the awards, how to enter and information about the Leading Practice Seminars.

• Development Assessment Forum

  Link to the Development Assessment Forum Homepage from this link.

• Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government

  The Australian Government has contributed $8 million in funding for the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government to enhance professionalism and showcase innovation and best practice in the local government sector. The Centre will work with stakeholders to deliver services nationally, not only to urban areas but also to rural and remote Australia, including through online information.

• Local Government Publications

  View and print publications and maps about Local Government in Australia.