All Victorian councils broadly have similar roles and responsibilities, and derive their power from the same legislation, however not all municipalities are the same.

In Victoria, local government is established by an Act of state parliament – the Local Government Act 2020 – which specifies council powers, duties and functions. The legal basis for councils is established under the Constitution Act 1975.

Councils have autonomy to provide services that meet the needs of their local community, and will establish a range of discretionary processes, including local laws, to guide certain activities that can occur within their municipality.

We thank the City of Greater Dandenong for permission to use this graphic explaining the role of local government.

Learn more about

• Council roles
• Council structure
• Key council documents
• Council complaints

How local government can help you

• Children and families:
  • Child care
  • Kindergartens
  • Maternal and child health
  • Playgroups
  • Immunisation.
• Health and wellbeing:
  • Disability services
  • Home maintenance
  • Home and community care
  • Meals on wheels
  • Food safety.
• Your home:
  • Planning permits
  • Building permits
  • Pet registrations
  • Rubbish and recycling
  • Graffiti removal.
• Sport and leisure:
  • Sportsgrounds
  • Swimming pools
  • Leisure centres
  • Parks and gardens
  • Festivals and events.
• Roads and safety:
  • Roads and footpaths
  • Car parks
  • Street lighting
  • School crossing supervisions
  • Emergency management.
• Community:
  • Libraries
  • Volunteering
  • Theatre and the arts
  • Grants
  • Community centres.