Northern Territory Local Government Area Types
The administrative landscape of the Northern Territory is defined by a unique distribution of population and land. Due to its vast geography and low population density, the territory has historically managed its land through a mix of structured local governments and unincorporated zones.
Local Government Classifications
As of July 1, 2008, local government in the Northern Territory is divided into two primary classifications based on the nature of the settlement and its location.
- Municipalities: These are primarily located in inner-city suburban areas and smaller rural towns. There are five municipalities in total.
- Shires or Regions: These cover predominantly rural or outer suburban areas, consisting of eleven shire councils.
The Challenge of Unincorporated Areas
An unincorporated area is a region that does not fall under the jurisdiction of a local government council. The Northern Territory has been an anomaly in Australia due to the significant portion of its land and population that previously lived without local government representation.
In 2006, before major reorganizations, the territory faced a stark divide. Approximately 92 percent of the land area—1,237,999 km² out of a total 1,349,130 km²—was unincorporated. This area housed 16 percent of the population (30,523 people out of 192,898). This situation was driven by an extremely low population density of just 0.16 people per km².
Local Government Reform and Current Status
To address these anomalies, the Northern Territory underwent local government reform in 2008. This initiative successfully integrated most unincorporated lands into formal government structures.
By June 2019, the remaining unincorporated land had shrunk to 19,790 km², representing only 1.47 percent of the total land area. This remaining zone contains 3.0 percent of the territory's population.
When compared to other Australian states and territories with unincorporated areas, the Northern Territory's figures remain higher. For instance, only 0.02% of the population in New South Wales, 0.002% in Victoria, and 0.6% in South Australia live in unincorporated areas.
Key Facts
- There are 5 municipalities and 11 shire councils in the Northern Territory.
- The territory's population density is very low at 0.16 people per km².
- Prior to 2008, 92% of the land area was unincorporated.
- Post-reform (as of June 2019), unincorporated land dropped to 1.47% of the total area.
- The Northern Territory has a higher percentage of people in unincorporated areas than New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia.
| Region | Population in Unincorporated Areas (%) |
|---|---|
| Northern Territory (June 2019) | 3.0% |
| South Australia | 0.6% |
| New South Wales | 0.02% |
| Victoria | 0.002% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a municipality and a shire in the Northern Territory?
Municipalities generally cover inner-city suburban areas and small rural towns, while shires or regions cover predominantly rural or outer suburban areas.
What is an unincorporated area?
An unincorporated area is a piece of land that is not governed by a local government council.
Why did the Northern Territory have so many unincorporated areas?
The high percentage of unincorporated land was primarily due to the territory's very low population density, which was only 0.16 people per km².
How did the 2008 reforms change the territory?
The 2008 reforms significantly reduced the amount of unincorporated land, bringing the vast majority of the territory under the jurisdiction of local government councils.
How does the Northern Territory compare to other Australian states regarding unincorporated land?
The Northern Territory has a significantly higher percentage of its population living in unincorporated areas compared to New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.