Local government areas of Western Australia

[4] As the Colony began to develop, the first form of local government was established in some areas under the Towns Improvement Act of 1838.

[5] These trusts were empowered to elect ratepayers as Trustees and assess and collect a property tax for the construction of roads.

Corporations could also establish civic institutions and facilities with the governors' consent, including libraries and botanical gardens.

This was termed the “New Order” at the time, and encompassed the development of community centres, infant health clinics and sporting facilities.

In the 1970s, the scope of local government services expanded to encompass the provision of nursing homes and other forms of aged care.

Other key changes included a significant reduction in the number of decisions requiring ministerial approval which allowed for streamlined decision-making and greater local government autonomy.

Historically most local governments have strongly resisted forced amalgamations[10] and the total number of authorities has declined only marginally over the last century.