Councils deliver so much more than roads, rates, and rubbish: they are a reflection of the complex communities they serve each and every day.
Councils in NSW look after more than $178 billion of community assets – parks, pools and playgrounds, libraries, local festivals and lighting, cemeteries and childcare centres, museums and art galleries.
Councils employ more than 50,000 people in local communities right across NSW.
Councils are helping to drive a locally led economy by employing lawyers, labourers and librarians, cleaners, carpenters and carers, electricians, engineers and educators.
Local government in NSW manages 90% (164,000km) of the state's local and regional road network.
Local government spends more than $2 billion each year on caring for the environment via recycling and waste management, stormwater management and preserving and protecting native flora and fauna.
NSW has 450 council-run libraries that attract more than 34.8 million visits each year.
NSW councils manage an estimated 35 million tonnes of waste each year.