Map of Local Government Areas in QueenslandLocal Government Areas in South East Queensland
The Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Queensland, Australia are the areas for which particular Local Government authorities, generally known as "Councils" have the responsibility to provide local government services. Determining the size and shape of the Local Government Areas is the sole responsibility of the Queensland Government and in the past many local government areas have been amalgamated or abolished, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Despite this, many of the local government areas date back to the start of the twentieth century, as shown on a 1909 map.[1]
There are three classifications of local government in Queensland:
Cities (predominantly urban or suburban areas)
Towns (three medium size rural towns, all surrounded by a rural Shire) and;
Shires (predominantly rural or outer suburban areas).
Other than Brisbane City Council, there are no practical differences between these types of local governments - the differences are only in name and reflect historical differences between the different types of local government prior to the enactment of the current law that regulates local government in the state of Queensland, the Local Government Act (Qld) 1993. Brisbane City Council has its own Act of Parliament, the City of Brisbane Act 1924.
In addition thirty-four Aboriginal Councils are administered under the Local Government Act; before January 2007 there were only two — Aurukun Shire Council and Mornington Shire Council — the rest underwent transition to full Shire council status in January 2007.[2] The official term "Island Council" as reflected in the list below indicates a community of Islander people and does not necessarily indicate that an LGA comprises an island or a group of islands. Seisia and Bamaga are both mainland Island Councils.
The Queensland Minister of Local Government and Planning, Andrew Fraser, announced a complete review of all Queensland local government area boundaries (other than Brisbane City Council) by the Local Government Reform Commission, to be completed prior to the 2008 local government elections.[3]
As of March 2007 there are 158 Local Government Areas in Queensland. These are listed below in alphabetical order. Under each LGA is listed recommended action regarding amalgamation.[4]
Amalgamate southern rural areas, including town of Beaudesert with Boonah Shire in Beaudesert Regional Council and amalgamate northern urban areas with Logan City
Amalgamate Divisions 1 and 2 (northern areas of Shire) with Maryborough and Hervey Bay Cities and Woocoo Shire in Fraser Coast Regional Council and amalgamate Division 3 (Theebine/Gunalda areas) with Cooloola and Kilkivan Shires in Gympie Regional Council
