1. Metropolitan Area: Comprises the Perth Metropolitan Area, which includes the City of Perth and surrounding local government areas.
2. Regional and Remote Areas: Comprises the vast majority of the state's landmass and includes regional cities, towns, and remote communities.
3. Indigenous Local Governments: A small number of Indigenous local governments established under the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972, representing Aboriginal communities in certain regions.
a) Metropolitan Local Government Structure:
The metropolitan area of Western Australia includes several local government areas, each governed by an elected council. These local governments are responsible for a range of services and functions within their respective boundaries, such as planning, local infrastructure, community facilities, and regulatory activities.
b) Regional and Remote Local Government Structure:
Outside of the metropolitan area, regional and remote local governments encompass large geographical regions and towns. They are responsible for providing essential services and infrastructure to their communities, often in challenging and sparsely populated environments.
c) Indigenous Local Governments:
Recognizing the unique needs and circumstances of Aboriginal communities, the Western Australian government has established Indigenous local governments. These local governments are self-managed by Aboriginal communities and are focused on promoting their cultural identity, autonomy, and well-being.
The structure of local government in Western Australia enables regional and local communities to have a voice in decision-making processes and provides a framework for delivering services that meet the specific needs of their residents.