Looking after the environment Councils are responsible for looking after the parts of the community that are public property - for example roads and parks. Councils build and repair roads and provide some car parks. Planning is an important part of the work of councils. For example, councils decide where new roads, houses and shops should go and where natural areas are to be protected. Plans for all new buildings are approved by the council.
Councils also preserve historic places.
Councils arrange for rubbish to be collected and for waste to be recycled. Looking after people Councils help members of the community by protecting health and by providing community services and recreation and cultural facilities. Councils also help their state's Emergency Services. Some councils run libraries, art galleries and theatres. They may provide public halls in the community.