Local Government (Shires) Act 1905 was a landmark New South Wales statute notable for the compulsory incorporation of local government areas for around 40% of the area of New South Wales. The Act created 134 rural shires, many surrounding a small urban area separately and voluntarily incorporated under the Municipalities Act 1858 and the following Municipalities Act 1867 and Municipalities Act 1897 As well as the compulsory incorporation of rural areas, the Local Government (Shires) Act repealed the Municipalities Act - bringing local government under one legislative framework.