The Barcoo Shire Council was established on 31 March 1903 after the previous Barcoo Divisional Board was abolished.

The Barcoo Shire Council administers local government within the shire in accordance with the Local Government Act 2009. The Council provides public municipal and rural services, is responsible for local planning and policy, fosters regional social and economic development and maintains a significant road construction and maintenance business.

Barcoo Shire incorporates the towns of Jundah, Stonehenge and Windorah, and covers an expanse of 61,974 sq km. The population of the shire is approximately 265. The administration centre of Barcoo Shire is 220 km south of Longreach in the township of Jundah.