Local government in the NT

There are 10 regional councils, 5 municipal councils, and 3 shire councils in the Northern Territory (NT). Find your council on the Northern Territory Government website.

There are also 67 local authorities across regional and remote communities in the NT. They are involved in planning, giving feedback to councils on service delivery, and identifying priority community projects. Regional councils operate local authorities.

Local Government and Community Development Unit

The NT Government provides support to councils and local authorities through the Local Government and Community Development Unit in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development.

The unit assists and supports councils and local authorities in the NT to meet their compliance, reporting and administration obligations. It develops and implements policy, legislation, and administers grant funding to local government councils.

Complaints about council

You can make a complaint about council operations that breach local government legislation on the NT Government website.

You can also make a complaint about a council member who has breached the Code of Conduct.

All relevant forms, including a complaint form, can be found in make a complaint about a member breach of the Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct applies to all elected members such as a member of an audit committee, a council, a council committee or a local authority.

Local Government Act 2019

Information about the Local Government Act 2019, Regulations and guidelines.

Make a complaint about a member breaching the Code of Conduct

How to make a complaint if you believe a council member has breached the Code of Conduct.

Burial and Cremation Act 2022

Information and resources about the Burial and Cremation Act 2022 and Regulations.

Publications and reports

Reports and reviews on and for the local government sector.

Elected member resources

Resources for local government elected members.

Conditionally rateable land

Past rates and approved proposals of conditionally rateable land.

Northern Territory Government Gazette notices

Gazette notices relating to local government councils, including changes to council boundaries.

Local Government Resource Hub

A restricted website providing training material, newsletters, supporting resources, sample documents and external links to assist local government councils, local authorities and local subsidiaries.

Legislative Amendments to the Local Government Act 2019

The Local Government Unit has been leading the way on proposed amendments to the Local Government Act 2019 to support councils to practice good governance and engage in greater transparency and accountability. Now it’s your turn to have a say!

Local Decision Making

Local Decision Making is a 10 year commitment to transfer, where possible, government service delivery to Aboriginal people and organisations based on their community aspirations.