How councils operate

Watch the video to learn about how councils operate in the Northern Territory.

Councils are responsible for governing and managing the council area.

Council services can include:

• waste collection
• street cleaning
• maintaining public spaces like parks and playgrounds
• managing the local environment
• advocating for local interests
• aged care
• youth programs
• working to ensure that the needs of the community are met
• supporting community activities
• organising local events
• supporting local businesses.

Council rates

Council rates are not a fee for service, but are a tax on property, which helps to deliver services and programs and assists with the ongoing costs for the management and maintenance of your community.

For information about your council rates contact your council.

Council by-laws

By-laws are made by councils that everyone in a council area must obey.

It's important to know these laws and how they might affect you.

Some common by-laws include rules about:

• animal management
• waste management facilities
• littering
• parking
• making noise.

For more information on current by-laws, go to the Northern Territory Legislation website or contact your council.

Your council and the Northern Territory Government

The Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet's Local Government Unit works with councils and offers guidance on structure and operational matters, particular with regards to the legal frameworks.

Read more about councils operational requirements in the Local Government Act 2019.

The Local Government Unit contributes to the wellbeing of communities by providing high quality advice and services to councils.

They also support councils by:

• providing expert policy advice on local government matters
• administering and ensuring the sector’s compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory provisions
• enhancing local government performance by supporting good governance practices
• delivering education and training.

This is to ensure councils are:

• well-governed
• responsive
• sustainable
• acting in the best interest of their communities.