Background

The Huon Valley Council operates under the Local Government Act 1993 with three key functions: providing for community health, safety and welfare; representing community interests; and ensuring good local government across our municipal area.

To support our community, Council delivers essential services including recreational facilities (pools, sports grounds, playgrounds), marine infrastructure (boat ramps, jetties), community spaces (halls, camping areas), waste management with kerbside collection, local roads, and stormwater systems.

These services benefit the entire community but require regulation to protect users and preserve assets for future generations. Under the Local Government Act, Council can create by-laws for any area where we have legal functions or powers.

Council has a long history of regulating Council land use, waste management, caravans and roads through separate by-laws. The proposed new by-law consolidates these into one document, reducing duplication and ensuring consistent processes.

Before we formally resolve to make the new By-law and undertake the statutory process, we are undertaking three (3) weeks of informal engagement with the community.

Changes at a Glance

What continues from the Existing By-laws

• most current rules remain the same - parking, camping, animal control, waste disposal, sports bookings and commercial activities
• Existing permits and bookings continue with no disruption to current arrangements
• Same waste collection service so your bins and collection schedule won't change
• Protection of parks and facilities - prevent damage to playgrounds, sports grounds and marine facilities
• Road work permits with the same process for construction and utility work

What's new and improved

• Electronic permit applications - apply online for events, commercial activities and facility hire
• Animal keeping rules for residential areas with clear guidelines for keeping chickens and other animals in town
• Improved wastewater disposal rules - better protection of waterways and environment
• Enhanced infrastructure protection - stronger rules to protect stormwater systems and council facilities
• Consistent penalties - fairer fines with discounts for early payment
• Appeal process - you can appeal bans from council property

What's No Longer Included:

• Separate caravan occupation rules - this is now covered by planning laws
• Complex multiple permit systems - streamlined into one simple process
• Inconsistent penalties - now standardised across all activities

What are we combining

We are creating one simple rule book for our community instead of the current four separate documents.