The Blue Mountains comprises 27 character-filled towns & villages spread along 100km of mountainous terrain. The Great Western Highway and Blue Mountains railway line traverse the City — transporting goods, services and commuters between Sydney and the Central West, and within the City itself. This is a nationally significant transport corridor. Our City covers an area of 1,431km2 with 70% comprising World Heritage National Park of which only 11% is available for settlement. Surrounded by World Heritage National Park, ours is the only council in NSW classified under the Australian Classification of Local Governments as category 12 — Large Fringe City with a population between 70,001 and 120,000. Nationally, it is one of only four councils with this classification. This means that comparisons with other councils, on aspects such as operating income and expenditure and community service provision, is effectively impossible. For more information about Blue Mountains City Council and the Blue Mountains please go to - www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au