The Central Desert Shire has nine (9) communities. Within each community, the Shire is responsible for the management of:
- Support of Local Advisory Boards
- Asset management
- Cemetery management
- Fleet and plant management
- Library and cultural heritage
- Lighting for public safety, including street lighting
- Local emergency management
- Local road maintenance
- Maintenance and upgrade of council-controlled buildings, facilities and fixed assets
- Maintenance and upgrade of council-controlled parks, reserves and open spaces
- Traffic management on local roads
- Waste management (including litter reduction)
- Weed control and fire hazard reduction.