The Shire comprises 11,326 square kilometres (4,373 sq mi) and is located adjacent to the Sturt, Mid-western and Cobb Highways.

The area includes the towns of Hay, Booligal and Maude.

Carol Oataway, an unaligned politician who had previously held the position of Principal of Hay Public School.

[3][5] Hay Shire Council is composed of eight councillors elected proportionally as a single ward.

The councillors, in order of election, are:[10] Banjo Paterson (1864–1941) wrote a poem called Hay and Hell and Booligal about the district.