Question

what powers and functions do local governments have

Answer 1

Planning & monitoring

Local governments set the overall direction for their municipalities through long-term planning. Examples include council plans, financial plans, municipal strategic statements and other strategic plans. Setting the vision, and then ensuring that it is achieved, is one of the most important roles of local government.

Service delivery

Local government is responsible for managing and delivering a range of quality services to their communities, such as public health and recreational facilities, local road maintenance, and public libraries.

Lawmaking & enforcement

Local governments legislate and make decisions in areas over which they have legislative authority. Local laws are not allowed to replicate or be inconsistent with state and federal laws or the operative planning scheme.

The laws made by local governments are called local laws and cover issues such as the activities permitted on public land, animal management, and use of infrastructure.

Local governments are also responsible for enforcing local laws and other legislation over which they have authority.

Policy development

The activities of local governments are guided by policies. Developing and implementing these policies are key functions.

Representation

Councils often represent their local community on matters of concern to those constituents.

Advocacy

Local governments have a role in advocating on behalf of their constituencies to state and federal levels of government, statutory authorities and other sectors.

- See more at: http://www.goodgovernance.org.au/about-good-governance/role-of-local-government/#sthash.cuTwjXvk.dpuf