Local government is the tier of government that touches people most closely. In Victoria, there are 79 councils, representing around 5 million people.

What councils do

Council activities are diverse and extensive. They maintain significant infrastructure, provide a range of services and enforce various laws for their communities.

Community infrastructure maintained by councils in Victoria is estimated to be valued at over $40 Billion and includes roads, bridges, drains, town halls, libraries, recreation facilities, parks and gardens.

Services provided by councils are diverse. They include property, economic, human, recreational and cultural services. Councils also enforce State and local laws relating to such matters as land use planning, environment protection, public health, traffic and parking and animal management.

People Services

Councils provide a range of support services and facilities to assist people and groups in their municipality. These services are often funded through partnerships between the State and/or Federal Governments, however some services may incur a fee to offset costs.

The following are examples of services that Councils often provide. Not all Councils provide the same services therefore it is advisable that you contact your local council for information about the precise services available in your area.

Family and Young Children’s Services

Councils have a range of services that support families and young children. Health services, day care facilities and play groups are council services that assist parents in raising their children and maintain the well-being of young children.

Some council services for families and young children may include:

• School Bus Programs
• Neighbourhood and Community Houses
• School Holiday Programs

Youth Services

Councils provide services for young people in their municipality to support their growth and development and provide an avenue for meeting other young people in the area.

Some youth services that local council may provide are:

• Counselling Services
• Drug and Alcohol Services
• Skate Parks
• Youth Oriented Festivals
• Neighbourhood Houses
• Sports Programs
• Youth Based Advisory Councils

Disability Services

Councils want to ensure that services are accessible to all members of the community. Councils provide programs and services that assist people with a disability to participate in community activities.

Council services for people with a disability may include:

• Support Services for People with a Disability
• Delivered Meals Services
• Personal Care Assistance
• Community Buses
• Accessible Arts and Recreational Programs

Disabled Parking Permits

Darebin City Council
Provides details about traffic and parking at Darebin City Council. Includes residential parking permits, how to pay parking infringements, and disabled parking permits.

East Gippsland Shire Council
Provides information about parking regulations and responsibilities within the Shire. Information regarding parking for people with a disability is also covered in this section.

Greater Bendigo City Council
Provides useful parking information for the City of Greater Bendigo. Includes information about parking restrictions, parking fines, faulty parking meters, school crossings and disabled parking.

Mansfield Shire Council
Provides information about parking infringements and disabled parking permits within the Mansfield Shire.

Melbourne City Council
Provides information about the City of Melbourne's Disabled Persons' Parking Permits which are issued under the Statewide Disabled Person's Parking Scheme. Permit renewals may be completed online. Includes information on how to apply, terms and conditions, fee structure and frequently asked questions.

South Gippsland Shire Council: Disabled Persons Parking Permits (Victoria)
Provides information about applying for a Disable Persons Parking Permit.

Wyndham City Council
Provides information about applying for temporarary or disabled parking permits within the City of Wyndham.

We would like to acknowledge the Victorian Government Department fof Planning and Community Development as the source for this information.

This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the National Disability Coordination Officer Program. The views expressed in these materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.