Local government areas of New South Wales: Difference between revisions

{{short description|Wikipedia list article}}

[[Image:New South Wales Local Government Areas.svg|thumb|250px|Map of Local Government Areas in New South Wales]]

[[Image:New South Wales LGA types.png|thumb|250px|Types and titles of LGAs in New South Wales]]

[[Image:Australia-Map-NSW-LGA-Regions.png|thumb|250px|LGA Regions in New South Wales]]

[[Image:Sydney councils.png|thumb|250px|Local government areas in Sydney]]

The '''[[Local government in Australia|local government areas]] (LGA) of [[New South Wales]]''' are the third tier of government in the Australian state. under the [http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/act/1993/30 ''Local Government Act 1993'' (NSW)] they can manage their own affairs to the extent permitted by the legislation. They may be designated as ''cities'' or otherwise as ''areas'', though the latter units may choose to use titles that had distinctions under older forms of the act. The smallest local government by area in the state is the [[Municipality of Hunter's Hill]] {{convert|5.7|km2|abbr=on}} and the largest by area is [[Central Darling Shire Council]] {{convert|53,492|km2|abbr=on}}.

Local government authorities provide a wide range of services. The most important of these are the general services of administration, health, community amenities, recreation and culture, roads and debt servicing throughout the area controlled by the council. Councils also provide a range of trading activities, mainly in country areas of NSW. These trading activities include water supply, sewerage services, gas services and abattoir facilities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Special Article - The History of Government in New South Wales |url=http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/featurearticlesbytitle/BE0B72070B761B4BCA2569DE001FB2CC?OpenDocument |work=New South Wales Year Book, 1998 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics, [[Australian Government]] |date=7 March 2008 |access-date=1 January 2017 }}</ref>

Administered by the [[Government of New South Wales]] and subject to periodic restructuring involving voluntary and involuntary amalgamation of areas, local government areas are considered a city when an area has received city status by proclamation of the [[Governor of New South Wales|Governor]]. Some areas retain designations they held under prior legislation, even though these titles no longer indicate a legal status. These may be ''towns'', ''municipalities'', ''regions'', or ''[[shire]]s''. Many councils now choose not to use any area title, and simply refer to themselves as ''councils'', e.g. ''Northern Beaches Council'', ''Burwood Council''.

==History==

===Legislation===

{{politics of New South Wales}}

The formation of local government in New South Wales predates the formation of [[Responsible government#Australia and New Zealand|responsible government]] in the state. The [[City of Sydney|Sydney Corporation]] was formed in 1842, an elected body to manage primary services such as street lighting and drainage.<ref name=uow>{{cite conference |url=http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1542&context=lawpapers |author=Kelly, A. H. |title=The Development of Local Government in Australia, Focusing on NSW: From Road Builder to Planning Agency to Servant of the State Government and Developmentalism |format=Paper |event=World Planning Schools Congress 2011 |location=Perth |date=4–8 July 2011 |publisher=[[University of Wollongong]] |accessdate=1 January 2017 }}</ref> The ''Municipalities Act'', 1858 introduced a system of local government. Municipalities were compulsorily incorporated by legislation in 1876, the third Municipalities Act, 1897 consolidated municipal law, and in 1905 the ''[[Local Government (Shires) Act 1905]]'' was enacted to establish shires.<ref name=une>{{cite paper |date=April 2010 |title=Local Government Amalgamation in New South Wales |author1=Tiley, Ian |author2=Dollery, Brian |work=Centre for Local Government |publisher=[[University of New England (Australia)|University of New England]] }}</ref> The ''Local Government Act'', 1906 reformed the municipal system, replaced by the ''Local Government Act'', 1919, which lasted until the most recent 1993 Act.

The core principles of the 1993 legislative reforms were:

#greater accountability by councils to their communities through better reporting, management plans, consultation on key issues, and access to information;

#changes to the relationship between councillors and staff, whereby the elected council held all powers given under the Act, but could delegate most powers and appoint General Managers to have responsibility for “day-to-day” management, council staff and financial resources; and

#a better distinction between service provision and regulatory activity was drawn. Maximum flexibility was given in respect to service provision, with some constraints, and accountability was increased. In regard to regulatory functions, proper attention had to be given to due process and procedural correctness.<ref name=une/>

===Reviews of local government areas===

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible autocollapse" align="right"

|+ NSW LGAs over time

! Year

! Number<br />of LGAs

! Ref.

|-

| 1906 || align=center|327 || rowspan=6|<ref name=une/>

|-

| 1910 || align=center|324

|-

| 1991 || align=center|176

|-

| 1992 || align=center|177

|-

| 2001 || align=center|173

|-

| 2004 || align=center|152

|-

| 2016 || align=center|132 || <ref name=olg/>

|}

The NSW Government has undertaken periodic [[review]]s of local government since the early 1900s. Reforms included providing enfranchisement for women and for residents who did not own property in the LGA, standardising land valuation systems, and the introduction of [[Local ordinance|ordinance]]s.

====1930s====

The ''[[Greater Newcastle Act 1937]]'' amalgamated 10 municipalities with the [[City of Newcastle]] to form Greater Newcastle.

====1940s====

In the post-war period, the Labor Party government of [[James McGirr]], led by Joseph Cahill as Minister for Local Government, decided, following the recommendations of the 1945–46 [[John Clancy (judge)|Clancy]] [[Royal Commission]] on Local Government Boundaries, that Local Government reform would assist the process of improving state infrastructure and community facilities.<ref name=CRC>{{cite web|title=4895 Royal Commission on Local Government Boundaries|url=https://www.records.nsw.gov.au/agency/4895|website=State Records Archives Investigator|publisher=State Archives and Records Authority of New South Wales|accessdate=2 November 2017}}</ref> This vision for a local government reform agenda, including large-scale amalgamations, was largely implemented in the Sydney basin through the [[Local Government (Areas) Act 1948]].

====1970s====

The Barnett Committee Review of Local Government Areas, conducted during 1973-74, sought to create stronger economic LGAs through a substantial reduction in council numbers. The Barnett Report recommended the forced merging of the then 223 existing local government entities into 97 districts; a proposal that was initially rejected by the [[Askin–Cutler ministry (1973–75)|Askin]]–led [[Coalition (Australia)|coalition]] government. However, by 1980 and after several references to the NSW Local Government Boundaries Commission, the [[Wran ministry (1980–81)|Wran]]-led [[Australian Labor Party (New South Wales Branch)|Labor]] government amalgamated 38 councils into 17 entities.<ref name=une/>

The Bains Review of 1978 influenced the adoption of corporate management in councils whereby council affairs were dealt with as a whole and with co-ordinated forward planning, comprehensive distribution of resources and proper performance monitoring. Bains' review had major influence on the engagement of more powerful general managers, councillors becoming policy makers, and staff free from administrative councillor interference.<ref name=une/>

====1980s====

Completed by the NSW Local Government Boundaries Commission, this review focused on the efficiencies in the mergers of rural and regional councils and the anticipated economies of scale in service provision. The ''[[Local Government Areas Amalgamation Act 1980]]'' saw the amalgamation of many municipalities with the shires that neighboured - and in some instances, surrounded - them.

====1990s====

The [[Carr ministry (1995-1997)|Carr]]-led Labor government initiated the Local Government Reform Task Force of 1995-97, the principal outcome of which was to promote resource sharing through the various regional organisations of councils.<ref name=une/> Triggered by a paper issued by the NSW Local Government and Shires Association, twenty-one councils reviewed their own position and explored three options including the [[status quo]], models for resource sharing and a merger. However, only four councils entered into voluntary mergers in order to avoid potential forced amalgamations.<ref name=une/>

====2000s====

The Sproats Inquiry into the structure of local government in eight council areas of the Inner City and Eastern Suburbs of Sydney was commissioned by the state government in October 2000. Despite recommendations for mergers, with the Carr government maintaining a no-forced amalgamation policy, no mergers transpired until late 2008 when Sproats was invited to review his earlier paper, including revisiting the controversial proposal to amalgamate the City of Sydney Council with the [[City of South Sydney|South Sydney City Council]].<ref name=une/>

The Carr government abandoned its policy of no forced mergers after the [[2003 New South Wales state election|2003 state election]]. Within a year, regional “super” councils were legislated for Inner Sydney, surrounding Canberra, Goulburn and Tamworth; four general purpose and two county councils were merged in Clarence Valley, as well as a number of other smaller-scale rural council amalgamations.<ref name=une/>

====2010s====

In October 2013, the NSW Government released the findings of an independent review of local government in New South Wales. The review findings, entitled ''Revitalising Local Government'', examined historical and projected demographic data, financial sustainability, and other measures and projected the long-term viability of all local government bodies in the state. Included in the report were 65 recommendations to the government.<ref>{{cite web|title=Revitalising Local Government: Final Report|url=http://www.localgovernmentreview.nsw.gov.au/documents/LGR/Revitalising%20Local%20Government%20-%20ILGRP%20Final%20Report%20-%20October%202013.pdf|format=PDF|work=Independent Local Government Review Panel|publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]]|date=25 October 2013|author1=Sansom, Graham|author2=Munro, Jude|author3=Inglis, Glenn|accessdate=11 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209125204/http://www.localgovernmentreview.nsw.gov.au/documents/LGR/Revitalising%20Local%20Government%20-%20ILGRP%20Final%20Report%20-%20October%202013.pdf|archive-date=9 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The government released its response to the review findings in September 2014 and then facilitated discussions with certain local government authorities with a view towards merger and/or amalgamation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reform – Fit for the Future|url=http://www.lgsa.org.au/key-initiatives/reform-fit-for-the-future|work=|publisher=Local Government NSW|date=2015|accessdate=11 January 2015}}</ref> In April 2015, the NSW Government referred the review findings and its responses to the [[Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of New South Wales|NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal]] (IPART) to act as the Expert Advisory Panel and to review local council ''Fit for the Future'' proposals.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/website/trimholdingbay/terms_of_reference_-_iparts_role_of_the_fit_for_the_future_expert_advisory_panel_-_premier_of_nsw_-_mike_baird_mp.pdf |title=Terms of Reference for a review of local council Fit for the Future proposals by an Expert Advisory Panel |author=Baird, Mike |authorlink=Mike Baird |date=22 April 2015 |publisher=[[Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of New South Wales|NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal]]|accessdate=15 November 2015 }}</ref> Releasing its final report in October 2015, the IPART reviewed submissions from local government authorities and others with a view towards establishing authorities that have the scale and capacity to engage effectively across community, industry and government, are sustainable and efficient, and that effectively manage infrastructure and deliver services for local communities. The IPART found that:<ref name="ipart final 2015">{{cite web |url=http://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/website/shared_files/investigation_-_section_9_-_legislative_requirements_-_review_of_local_council_fit_for_the_future_proposals/final_report_-_assessment_of_council_fit_for_the_future_proposals_-_october_2015.pdf |title=Assessment of Council Fit for the Future Proposals |date=October 2015 |isbn=978-1-925340-21-1 |author1=Boxall, Peter J., AO |authorlink1=Peter Boxall |author2=Jones, Catherine |author3=Comrie, John |publisher=[[Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of New South Wales|NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal]] |accessdate=15 November 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases-premier/fit-future-2-billion-community-windfall-merging-unfit-councils |title=Fit for the future: $2 billion community windfall by merging unfit councils |author=Baird, Mike |authorlink=Mike Baird |author2=Toole, Paul |authorlink2=Paul Toole |date=20 October 2015 |accessdate=15 November 2015 |publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]] }}</ref>

* 71 per cent of councils in metropolitan Sydney were 'not fit', primarily because councils did not propose a merger despite clear benefits; and

* 56 per cent of councils in regional NSW were 'not fit', due to not proposing a merger despite clear benefits, ongoing deficits or both.

The IPART proposed a series of council mergers and amalgamation in both metropolitan and regional areas which proposed a reduction in the number of councils from 152 to 112.<ref>{{cite news|title=NSW councils to merge under State Government plan for forced amalgamations; 2016 elections delayed|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-18/sydney-councils-to-be-forced-to-merge-by-nsw-government/7039326|accessdate=21 December 2015|publisher=ABC News}}</ref> The NSW Government invited local government authorities to respond by 20 November 2015. Public response to the proposed amalgamations was mixed.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kembrey|first1=Melanie|title=Council mergers: expert adviser Graham Sansom slams merger proposals|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/council-mergers-expert-adviser-graham-sansom-slams-merger-proposals-20151218-glrg0o.html|accessdate=21 December 2015 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald }}</ref> Following consideration of the submissions, the [[Minister for Local Government (New South Wales)|Minister for Local Government]] referred merger proposals to the Chief Executive of the [[Office of Local Government (New South Wales)|Office of Local Government]] (OLG) for examination and report under the ''Local Government Act''. The OLG Chief Executive delegated the examination and reporting functions to Delegates who conducted public inquiries and invited further written submissions by 28 February 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Background|url=https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/ |accessdate=18 February 2016 |work=Council Boundary Review |publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]] }}</ref> On 12 May 2016, following a further review by the Minister for Local Government and the independent Local Government Boundaries Commission, [[Premier of New South Wales|Premier]] [[Mike Baird]] announced the creation of 19 new councils, through amalgamations and mergers, with immediate effect. The Minister indicated in principle support to create a further nine new councils, subject to the decision of the courts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.strongercouncils.nsw.gov.au/ |title=Introduction |work=Stronger Councils |publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]] |date=12 May 2016 |accessdate=12 May 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/news/new-councils-nsw |title=New councils for NSW |work=Family & Community Services |publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]] |date=12 May 2016 |accessdate=12 May 2016 }}</ref> On the same day, the [[Governor of New South Wales]] acted on the advice of the Minister, and proclaimed the 19 new local government areas.<ref>{{cite web|title=Local Government (Council Amalgamations) Proclamation 2016 |url=https://www.strongercouncils.nsw.gov.au/assets/Uploads/Local-Government-Council-Amalgamations-Proclamation.pdf |accessdate=12 May 2016 |work=Stronger Councils |publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]] }}</ref>

On 9 May 2016, [[Municipality of Strathfield|Strathfield Council]] challenged the proposed merger between Strathfield, [[Municipality of Burwood|Burwood]] and [[City of Canada Bay|Canada Bay]] councils and commenced proceedings in the [[New South Wales Land and Environment Court]]. After the Court heard that there were legal flaws in the report from the State Government-appointed delegate who examined the proposal for merging the councils, on 31 May, the NSW Government withdrew from the case and the merger proposal stalled. [[Mosman Council|Mosman]], [[Municipality of Hunters Hill|Hunters Hill]], [[North Sydney Council|North Sydney]], [[Ku-ring-gai Council|Ku-ring-gai]], [[Municipality of Woollahra|Woollahra]], [[Oberon Shire|Oberon]] and [[Walcha Shire|Walcha]] councils also challenged the Government's amalgamations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-31/forced-merger-of-strathfield-burwood-and-canada-bay-blocked/7463242 |title=NSW council amalgamations: Strathfield, Burwood and Canada Bay merger stopped|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |author=Raper, Ashleigh |date=31 May 2016 |accessdate=1 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/council-amalgamations-government-push-for-amalgamations-suffers-setback-errors-made-in-strathfield-canada-bay-and-burwood-merger-20160531-gp7z35.html#ixzz4ALI5dTbh |title=Council amalgamations: government push for mergers suffers setback |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |author=Davies, Anne |date=31 May 2016 |accessdate=1 June 2016 }}</ref> The proclamation of the new Bayside Council occurred on 9 September 2016, following the conclusion of legal action by [[City of Botany Bay|Botany Bay City Council]] in the Court of Appeal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.strongercouncils.nsw.gov.au/|title=Joint Organisation – Council Secure Portal|website=www.strongercouncils.nsw.gov.au}}</ref>

In December, the [[New South Wales Court of Appeal|NSW Court of Appeal]] unanimously dismissed Woollahra Council's appeal, finding no merit in its arguments that the proposed merger with its neighbouring councils was invalid.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/woollahra-loses-merger-appeal-hints-at-high-court-challenge-20161222-gtgod3.html |title=Woollahra loses merger appeal, hints at High Court challenge |author=Visentin, Lisa |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=22 December 2016 |access-date=31 December 2016 }}</ref> In July 2017, the [[Gladys Berejiklian|Berejiklian government]] decided to abandon the forced merger of the Sydney local government areas, following an earlier move to abandon proposed forced mergers in rural and regional NSW.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-27/after-nsw-council-merger-backflip-mayors-try-to-get-money-back/8749462 |title=NSW council amalgamations: Mayors fight to claw back court dollars after backflip on merger |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |date=27 July 2017 |access-date=27 July 2017 |author1=Blumer, Clare |author2=Chettle, Nicole }}</ref>

==List of all local government areas in New South Wales==

{{As of|2016|09|09}} there were 128 local government areas in New South Wales,<ref name=olg>{{Cite web|title=Local Government Directory |work=Office of Local Government |url=http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/local-government-directory |publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]] |access-date=25 May 2016 }}</ref> listed below in alphabetical order by region. There is also the [[Unincorporated Far West Region]] which is not part of any local government area, in the sparsely inhabited [[Far West, New South Wales|Far West]], and [[Lord Howe Island]], which is also [[unincorporated area|unincorporated]] but self-governed by the Lord Howe Island Board.