Elected Members Professional Development Day 2025
On the weekend, elected representatives from across Tasmania gathered in Launceston to hear from experts on road management, climate change, population demographics and how to navigate the digital age.
Emilio Reale from Glenorchy City Council shared key principles for managing local roads, which are one of local governments' most valuable assets. Effective road management relies on strategic planning, community input, and data-driven decisions. Councils must align financial planning with asset conditions and service levels, using long-term modelling to guide investment. Emilio encouraged councils to engage with their communities not just on what they want, but on what they are willing to pay for, so we can make informed decisions that balance aspirations with financial sustainability.
Dr Lisa Denny highlighted the urgent need for councils to understand and respond to Tasmania’s shifting population dynamics. While growth continues, it’s slowing and by 2038, over half of Tasmanians will be aged 45 or older. Many Local Government Areas (LGAs) are already experiencing “hyper-ageing”, where more than 20% of residents are aged 65+. This demographic shift has significant implications for service delivery, infrastructure planning, and economic sustainability. Dr Denny urged councils to proactively plan for a future where ageing populations are the norm, ensuring services and infrastructure remain responsive, sustainable, and inclusive.
She also introduced the Future Populations Network, which is aimed at building local government capability to develop informed, region-specific population strategies. A series of workshops, webinars and resources designed for elected representatives, executive leaders and senior officers will be created and delivered over the next 12 months.
In today’s always-on culture, it’s easy to feel like we’re drowning in a sea of emails, pings, and notifications. The digital age has brought us closer in many ways, but it’s also made it harder to find space for deep thinking, genuine rest, and real-world connection. Daniel Sih offered a refreshing perspective on how to navigate this digital overwhelm, by creating clear systems for how we use our time and achieve shared goals. With practical strategies and thoughtful insights, Daniel reminded everyone that it is possible to create breathing room in our busy lives.
The day concluded with a discussion on the increased role that councils have in mitigating and planning for the impacts of climate change on our communities. Elected representatives were asked to identify the risks that councils face, ranging from increased insurance costs, replacing damaged assets and safety of residents during extreme weather events.
We appreciate elected representatives engaging in ongoing professional development to deepen their knowledge, refine their skills, and remain responsive and effective in serving their communities. Members can access some of the presentations on our Member Portal.