There are around 560 Local Government Areas in Australia – broadly local councils. But about 30 of the LGAs account for around half of the dwelling approvals (approvals to build new homes) in Australia.
In 2017 there were around 221,000 dwelling approvals granted by local councils. And the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane were represented in the top eight building regions of 2017.
While demand for apartments appears to be peaking, building of free-standing houses in regions of high population is lifting with approvals in the last six months of 2017 well up on a year ago.
https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/investment-strategy/market-trends/80413-sydney-melbourne-and-brisbane-among-biggest-building-regions-in-australia-commsec.html