What responsibilities does the New South Wales state government retain in the Sydney region?

In the Sydney region, the New South Wales state government retains direct control over several critical areas, despite delegating matters of local interest to more than 40 local government authorities, such as the City Council of Sydney.1

Key responsibilities retained by the state government include:

• Public Services and Infrastructure: The state maintains direct control over police and transport. Additionally, specific functions often handled by local councils—such as water supply, sewerage, storm drainage, electricity, and major roads—have been transferred to state-established boards, commissions, trusts, and departments.1
• Health and Welfare: The state government oversees many aspects of health and welfare services.1
• Commercial Oversight: The state retains responsibility for major fruit and vegetable markets.1

While local councils manage tasks like the construction and maintenance of local roadways and the provision of local sanitary services, the state government remains the primary authority for broader infrastructure and essential services within the Sydney metropolitan area.12