The Royal Commission (into National Natural Disaster Arrangements) found that governments have a clear role in disaster mitigation, response and recovery, with primary responsibility lying with state and territory governments.

However a large part of state and territory responsibility is - and should be - delegated to local government, the Royal Commission found.

A recent report in the online publication Government News, said the Royal Commission also found that local councils play a central role in areas including land use planning, roads management, emergency centres and emergency relief.

"State and territory governments should take responsibility for the capability and capacity of local governments to which they have delegated their responsibilities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters," the Royal Commission recommends.

"Ultimately, state and territory governments remain accountable, and should therefore ensure local governments have the support and resources they need to carry out their responsibilities."

Maitland City Council General Manager David Evans said council is a member of the Local Emergency Management Committee and works with other government agencies to provide cooperative interaction between emergency services, functional areas, local government and the community.

"This is for all facets of emergency management from prevention, preparedness, response and recovery," Mr Evans said.

"In terms of bushfires and the handing down of the Bushfire Royal Commission review, council will be undertaking an investigation of the report.

"In regard to current practices, council has a regular vegetation maintenance regime for vegetation control for asset protection zones," he said.

Council is also an active member on the Lower Hunter Bushfire Management Committee.

The report confirmed the role of local government in roadside vegetation management, evacuation planning and mental health support after a disaster.

It says along with state and territory governments, local councils should be required to consider disaster risks in planning decisions for new developments, and they should engage with traditional owners on Indigenous fire management practices.

"Australian, state, territory and local governments should explore further opportunities to leverage Indigenous land and fire management insights, in the development, planning and execution of public land management activities," the report recommends.

It went on to say there should be greater representation by the Australian Defence Force in local government exercises, briefings, and planning for natural disasters.

State and territory governments should also ensure arrangements are in place for sharing resources between their local governments during natural disasters.