[1] When local government was extended to all Queenslanders in 1879, with the passing of the Divisional Boards Act, the Lower Burdekin was included in Subdivision 3 of the Thuringowa Division, based in Townsville, while the area south of the Burdekin was included in the Wangaratta Division.

To maintain pressure on the government, residents formed the Burdekin Delta Association and a further petition was successful.

[1] In 1917 local architect Frederick Smith was engaged to design a strong room for safe storage of documents.

After the fire, Council erected temporary offices next to the strong room and sought a loan to build substantial new brick chambers for the rapidly expanding shire.

These dimensions and early photographs suggest the building was symmetrical about the central hallway, with the meeting room to one side and two offices to the other, and an arched portico at the entrance.

[1] Ayr's "twin town" of Home Hill was established by 1913 to promote development south of the Burdekin River.

[1] The building is constructed of face brickwork with a hipped corrugated iron roof and encircling timber verandah.

[1] The verandah is open on its two street elevations, with a concrete floor, dowelled balustrades and stop-chamfered posts.

[1] The entry to the building is marked by a curved concrete portico, flanked by gabled pavilions with arched openings.

[1] The interior features rendered brick walls, high ceilings with decorative cornices, double-hung and leadlight windows and panelled doors with fretted toplights.

[1] Burdekin Shire Council Chambers was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 13 October 1997 having satisfied the following criteria.

[1] The Burdekin Shire Chambers is close to other historic places including Anzac Park, Masonic Lodge, the former Presbyterian Church and an imposing house at 115 MacMillan Street, thus making a substantial contribution to the historic streetscape of the town.

Burdekin Shire Council Chambers is a substantial brick building occupying a prominent corner position, and makes an important aesthetic contribution to the Ayr townscape.