We are excited to introduce you to the Huon Valley Council’s Liveability Framework—a transformative new approach to creating a brighter, more sustainable future for our community!
This framework is not just another document; it’s a bold commitment to putting people at the heart of every decision we make. Designed with care and vision, the Liveability Framework ensures that we focus on what truly matters to our community while preparing to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
With this framework, we’re shifting the way Council works. By integrating data-driven insights, innovative planning tools, and deeply collaborative processes, we’re crafting tailored solutions for every corner of the Huon Valley. At its core, the framework emphasises community engagement, evidence-based decision-making, and the resilience needed to tackle complex issues like climate impacts, housing needs, and economic change.
As we proceed with the project, your inputs and comments are welcomed and valued!
The need for a new way of thinking and doing
Council is often described as being responsible for the three Rs - Roads, Rates, and Rubbish. While we know that Council offers far more than those functions, there's a simple truth to the three Rs. The community contributes resources to Council so we can build connections and ensure the liveability of our places. The aim of the Liveability Framework is to build on this simple understanding of Council's functions by supporting the community in new and innovative ways to improve their wellbeing.
Our community-centered approach consists of three essential elements working together:
- A new decision-making model that guides how Council works with the community.
- Clear measurements that help us understand what matters most to our community and place.
- Modern and easy-to-access hybrid tools for the community to share their views, access information, and participate in Council decisions.
Through this revised approach, we will be able to meaningfully action the fourth R - Resilience. By centering on the community and utilising state-of-the-art tools and resources, we can achieve our community vision and create a more liveable Huon Valley for everyone.
Place-based working
The Huon Valley isn't just one place - it's a rich tapestry of distinct communities, each with its own character, challenges, and opportunities. From coastal villages to rural townships, mountain communities to regional centres, each area needs solutions that fit its unique context.
Place-based planning recognises this diversity while ensuring we're all working toward our shared vision for the Valley. Being community-centred means working alongside local communities rather than just consulting them and bringing together local knowledge with our expertise.
This approach differs from traditional community-driven planning by:
- Looking beyond immediate wants to consider long-term needs
- Ensuring local solutions align with our broader Valley-wide goals
- Bringing together different perspectives to find solutions
- Using data and evidence to support local decision-making
- Creating stronger connections between communities
- Enabling agile planning through targeted place-based plans
By focusing on places, we can develop plans that truly reflect and serve each community's needs while building a stronger, more connected Huon Valley.
