The Litchfield Shire was proclaimed by an Act of the NT Parliament on 6th September 1985. On 7th December 1985 an election was held to elect the first Council comprising of a Shire President and four Councillors each representing a ward.

This first elected body formulated a series of objectives under which Council was to operate. The objectives were based upon the provision of services in what is traditionally known as the 3R’s ( Roads, Rubbish and Recreation) and on the principle of contracting out the provision of these services. The level of services under these functions were to be commensurate with a philosophy of low rates.

In 2008 Litchfield Shire Council's name was changed to Litchfield Council, due to legisative changes in the structure of the Council. On 1 July 2008 Councils responsibilities also included management of the Thorak Cemetery.