Local Government Areas constitute the second and final tier of government administration in Australia, with 547 such authorities operating across the country. These municipalities are responsible for delivering essential services to their communities, including waste management, local road maintenance, town planning and development approvals, public libraries, recreational facilities, and environmental health regulations. Local councils raise revenue through property rates and receive grants from state and federal governments to fund their operations. The specific powers and responsibilities of each Local Government Area are determined by state and territory legislation, leading to some variation in functions across different jurisdictions. While not all parts of Australia are covered by local government authorities—some remote areas remain unincorporated—these bodies serve as the primary point of contact between residents and government for day-to-day civic matters.