From the foundation of the parish in 1609 until 1845, local affairs were controlled by the heritors. In 1845 a Parochial Board was set up which included elected members as well as the heritors. This was succeeded in 1895 by New Machar Parish Council. Unfortunately, parish councils were abolished in 1929and it was not until the 1970s that some element of local democracy was restored, albeit without the representatives being given much power.

The Parish of New Machar Community Council, to give it its correct name, more familiarly known as Newmachar Community Council, was set up in 1978 under the provisions of the Local Government Act (Scotland) of 1973. It is elected by all the residents living within the area which is roughly the same as the parish, that is, stretching from Parkhill in the south to just beyond Hatton Crook to the north along the line of the A947. The only statutory right which it has is to be consulted on planning matters. In practice, like many other community councils, Newmachar's has taken on many other functions. The elected members of the Community Council are unpaid.

1. It endeavours to keep in touch with local opinion in its area on a variety of matters and particularly those which have to do with the responsibilities of Aberdeenshire Council.

2. It represents the views of the local community to Aberdeenshire Council and to other public bodies, including the Scottish Executive, by means of direct communications, by taking part in the work of the Garioch Area Forum of Community Councils and by contacts with the elected local authority councillor for the Newmachar and Fintry Ward of Aberdeenshire Council. Planning issues and transport developments are of particular importance.

3. The Community Council also carries out a variety of tasks on its own initiative which are for the benefit of the local community. Most importantly, it publishes a newsletter, the Newmachar News. It also arranges for Christmas lights, for the provision and maintenance of flower baskets and flower tubs, and for the erection of seats in the village. It has successfully pressed for a pedestrian crossing and other improvements. The Council encouraged and facilitated a local youth project to set up a drop-in centre for young people. The Council is currently closely involved with the campaign to secure the building of a new Village Hall.
********
Under its constitution, Newmachar Community Council is re-elected every three years. If sufficient nominations are received, an election takes place under the Single Transferable Vote system.

The present Council was elected in 2006 and consists of the following members.

Chairman: Mr Fergus Hood
Honorary Secretary: Mr Mike Taylor
Honorary Treasurer: Mrs Fiona Duncan
Minutes Secretary: Prof. Roy Bridges
Ordinary members: Mr Alexander Buchan
Mrs Pamela Young
Mr Gordon Murray
Mr Robert Loughridge
Mr Martin Morley

The local Aberdeenshire councillor, currently Dr Martin Ford, is invited to attend all meetings

Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month except in July and December. All the meetings are open to the public.

*******************************