Government System in Sydney

The Sydney metropolitan area is governed by 41 local councils.

The most prominent of these is the Sydney City Council, which serves the CBD.

Each council provides a range of services, including local road and sidewalk maintenance, garbage collection and recycling, public libraries, and local recreational facilities.

Each council also presides over local planning and development, although the state government has a direct say in CBD planning issues and at times takes control of other major projects.

The NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning oversees the planning process.

Councilors are elected by local residents and by owners and renters of commercial property who pay taxes within the council’s jurisdiction.

The mayor of Sydney is elected to serve a four-year term.

Many other metropolitan and state authorities also have important roles.

Sydney Water has responsibility for water supply, sewerage, and storm water drainage throughout the metropolitan area.

Electricity supply is regulated by the state government, with separate commercial operations for generation, transmission, and local distribution.

Public transport (railways, government buses, and ferries) are operated by State Transit, while the tramway, monorail, airport railway, some buses, and a small number of tollways are privately operated.