Local Government Act.

This Act, consisting of 280 sections divided into 20 Chapters and completed by three Schedules, divides the State into municipal areas and electoral districts. Under the system of local government established by this Act: a) the Territory is divided into local government areas having regard to: i) geography and natural configuration; and ii) the nature and density of population; and iii) the viability, and appropriateness, of each area as a separate unit of local government administration; and b) a council (the local government council) is constituted for each area to be responsible for the government and management of the area at the local level. Local government areas are classified as municipalities, regions or shires according to their geographical size, the density of their population and their degree of urbanisation. Schedules list Code of conduct – core provisions and Repealed Acts.Chapters deal with the following issues: Preliminary; System of local government (including Local government areas); Planning at the local level (Municipal, regional or shire plans); Council and its members (Corporate nature, capacity and powers of council); Local authorities, local boards and council committees; Meetings; Rights and obligations of members; Elections and polls; Council staff; Financial management; Rates and charges; Council property; Regulatory powers; Reporting and public disclosure; Compliance reviews and investigations; Establishment of commission of inquiry; Defaulting councils; Review and appeal; Miscellaneous; Repeals and transitional provisions.