Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT)

It's the start of a new year and that means we are working towards achieving a new set of priorities. Our 2025 Annual Plan describes our focus areas for the year ahead and further progresses the priorities articulated within our current Strategic Plan. This year our focus areas are: - Local government reform and sector sustainability - Land use planning - Housing - Infrastructure - Emergency management - LGAT Procurement - Networks, learning and development - Elected member health and safety - Tasmanian Development Manual. We've also identified numerous programs we will deliver in partnership with the State Government. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/dirPxtus

Next up in our series of highlighting local government initiatives is Derwent Valley Council's Empowering Futures project which won the Delivering Excellence - Smaller Council award. Through this project, the team at Derwent Valley have been enhancing engagement and development with the younger members of its community. Recognising that young people have historically been overlooked, the council has been fostering a youth-centric community that promotes long-term positive outcomes and innovation through a series of interconnected projects. Some of these projects have included: - Derwent Valley Youth Summit - Implementation of a Safeguarding Children Policy - Transitioning funding to the Link Youth Health Service - Establishment of a collective impact partnership known as Collaboration for Youth. It's been fantastic to see the voices of young people make a difference in real-world things, such as a collaboratively designed park. We congratulate Derwent Valley Council for its strategic investment in youth engagement and community development which will enhance the wellbeing of its residents. 📸 Youth Week event at Ellis Dean Reserve. Photo supplied by Derwent Valley Council.

To kick off 2025 we'd like to take a look back at the amazing projects and initiatives we recognised at our Awards for Excellence last year. First up, City of Clarence who took home the Delivering Excellence – Larger Council Award for the takara limuna track. Located in Geilston Bay, this trail honours the stories, history and culture of the Mumirimina people, who have cared for Country since time immemorial, and pays homage to the continuing connection of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people to their Country, culture, and community today. It features a viewing platform, central firepit and gathering circle, and five interpretation panels. This project aimed to increase the use of this council reserve near Shag Bay by installing new track work and providing interpretation of the local palawa cultural history and land use of the area. The trail has been brought to life with text, artworks and audio recordings in consultation with Aboriginal cultural consultants Milangkani Projects and Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Allan Mansell. We again congratulate City of Clarence for this fantastic project that delivers multiple benefits and acts as a catalyst and foundation for extending cultural walks into Shag Bay. 📸 takara limuna track, Dearna Bond.

The State Government is accepting applications for the 2025 Youth Week Tasmania Grants Program. Youth Week Tasmania will be held from 10 to 17 April 2025. This year's theme and empowering slogan is 'Courage: Stepping out of your comfort zone'. Grants of up to $2,000 are available to local governments and other organisations to support Youth Week Tasmania events, activities, or projects. Applications close at 2:00pm on 31 January 2025. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/g5bCvJgs

Tasmanian councils are encouraged to apply for a community grant to host neighbourly activities. Relationships Australia Tasmania has partnered with Healthy Tasmania to provide grants of up to $1,500 to help people connect with their community. This funding could be used towards community barbeques, tea parties, bake sales, clothes swap, gardening days, share stations, picnics, street libraries and so much more! Applications close on Friday 7 February 2025. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gaCqmG5f

From all of us at LGAT, we wish you a safe and happy festive season 🎄 We look forward to continuing our support of the local government sector and working with our key stakeholders in 2025. Our office will be closed from midday tomorrow until 1 January (inclusive).

We've submitted our State Budget Priority Statement for 2025–26 to the Tasmanian Government. On behalf of the local government sector, we have advocated for: - Seed investment to establish a central pool of key planning technical staff to support councils. - Funding to continue our work on the Tasmanian Development Manual. - Support to develop Regional Population Strategies and provide guidance and training to councils. - Gap funding to continue our Health and Wellbeing Program. - Additional investments to expand CCTV coverage and system upgrades across the state. - A further two years of funding towards the Tasmanian Local Government Climate Capability Program. - Support to establish a new online Learning Management System for elected representatives and engage a Learning Coordinator. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/grRMaxn6

🗞️ NEWS FROM US The final edition of LGAT News for 2024 is out now! This month we cover: - Our recent advocacy on Development Assessment Panels - The Local Government Housing Position Statement - Our new annual and strategic plans - Next steps for the Future of Local Government Review - Current grants and learning opportunities ... and more! Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gpjSdWJn

We are pleased to present our Year in Review for 2024. It’s been a great opportunity for our team to reflect upon the work achieved during the past 12 months and celebrate our advocacy wins for Tasmanian councils. Up front, our President and CEO have provided a general overview of this work, followed by detailed updates on LGAT Procurement, our events and awards. We also cover the work undertaken in our key advocacy areas such as: 💙 Workplace health and safety for elected representatives 🏡  Housing and planning 🔥 Emergency management 🍎 Health and wellbeing 🌄 Climate change. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gPG3MQrF

The State Government is seeking feedback on targeted amendments to the Local Government Act as part of its Priority Reform Program. The proposed amendments will support the legislation of Good Governance Principles, clarify work health and safety obligations, and introduce serious misconduct provisions for elected representatives, along with many other key reforms. Submissions are due before 5:00pm on 21 March 2025. Read the Discussion Paper here: https://lnkd.in/gK_X9FM4