Council Governance
The Role of Local Government
Australia has three tiers or levels of government: federal, state and local. Local government is the closest tier of government and plays a role in people's everyday lives.
Local Government in Victoria
In Victoria, there are 79 councils, representing around 5 million people. Each council varies in some ways according to its community, but all councils must operate in accordance with the Local Government Act.
The City of Port Phillip is the local government council responsible for planning and delivery of a range of services to the neighbourhoods of Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road, Albert Park and Middle Park, St Kilda, Elwood and Ripponlea, and East St Kilda and Balaclava. In addition to providing a wide range of services affecting housing, businesses, neighbourhoods and the local community, councils have the power to make and enforce local laws and collect revenue to fund their activities.
There are seven Councillors and wards for the City of Port Phillip. Councillors are elected every four years, and the next election is in November 2012.
Information about local government is available from the Local Government Victoria - Department of Victorian Communities on how councils make decisions, what their key functions are, how they are funded, who to contact with a concern or complaint and much more. This information is available through an online Guide to Local Government on the Department of Victorian Communities' website.
Additional information on Local Government can be found at the following websites.
- Local Government Victoria
- Local Government Act 1989 (incorporating changes made in 2005)
- Municipal Association of Victoria
- Local Governance Association - Victoria
