The NSW parliament makes laws which regulate the role, powers and responsibilities of local councils. The Local Government Act outlines:
• how councils are established
• how elections are run
• how and when councils meet
• how rates are charged
• how councils spend money
• what councils can do.
Councils exist to:
• Provide a representative, informed and responsible decision-making body.
• Develop the local community and its resources in a socially just and environmentally responsible way.
• Ensure local public services and facilities respond effectively to community needs.