Local Government (Areas) Act 1948 was a landmark New South Wales statute that was notable for its wide-ranging reforms for and amalgamations of the Local Government Areas of New South Wales within the County of Cumberland.

Remember councils are not isolated or individual units to-day, but are part of a composite whole.

[6][7] The text of the bill as passed by the Legislative Assembly originally set forth a reduction of the number of Sydney councils from 66 to 16.

A gag on debate in the Legislative Assembly was used by the Government to prevent the opposition from trying to push through unfavourable amendments on this number within a specially convened select committee.

[12] With the amalgamations, the act also necessitated a reconstitution of the Sydney County Council, with the electorates renumbered.