Local Government Awards for Excellence celebrate exceptional council initiatives
The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) was delighted to announce the winners of its 2025 Awards for Excellence last night at the LGAT Annual Conference Dinner.
The annual Local Government Awards for Excellence aim to promote outstanding achievement and inspire leading practice in Tasmanian councils. The Awards recognise councils for their hard work that benefits local communities.
LGAT President Mayor Mick Tucker congratulated all award nominees and winners.
“It’s great to see a strong field of nominations representing a wide range of outstanding projects being implemented across Tasmania by local government,” Mayor Tucker said.
“Delivering excellent initiatives isn’t just about doing things well, it’s about creating lasting, positive change in the communities we care about.
“I congratulate Tasman Council, Devonport City Council and the City of Launceston on their winning entries.”
Tasman Council won the Delivering Excellence – Smaller Council Award (population under 15,000)
Tasman Council was recognised for its innovative Think Tasman campaign, which repositioned the region as a premium destination by showcasing its local produce, businesses, and natural assets through strategic marketing and compelling storytelling.
The campaign featured a series of films and events that not only raised the region’s profile and increased business enquiries but also strengthened relationships with local stakeholders and attracted investment interest in ecotourism and agribusiness.
LGAT congratulates Tasman Council for placing residents and businesses at the heart of the initiative, whose stories, products and energy shaped the campaign’s success.
Devonport City Council won the Delivering Excellence – Larger Council Award (population over 15,000)
Devonport City Council was recognised for its visionary Living City initiative, a decade-long urban renewal project that has reshaped the city’s identity, economy and public spaces.
Launched in 2014, the initiative was guided by a strategic Masterplan focused on reconnecting the city with the Mersey River, revitalising the civic and commercial heart, and enhancing waterfront access.
Over ten years, Devonport City Council has delivered major public infrastructure, created vibrant new spaces, and catalysed significant private sector investment. Living City has positioned Devonport as a forward-looking regional centre with a strong sense of place and purpose.
LGAT congratulates Devonport City Council on this project that has enhanced liveability and continues to deliver lasting community benefits.
City of Launceston won the Showcasing Innovation Award
The City of Launceston received the Showcasing Innovation Award for its groundbreaking use of Minecraft to engage young people in city planning.
Recognising the limitations of traditional consultation methods, the City of Launceston utilised existing 3D models to create custom Minecraft worlds based on iconic local spaces, inviting young people to contribute ideas through creative builds and storytelling.
This playful process saw over 800 students participate during National Science Week, sparking real-world park upgrades and supporting education, digital literacy and inclusion.
LGAT congratulates the City of Launceston on this innovative approach, which has increased youth engagement by an estimated 90 times compared with traditional consultation methods. The success of this project has inspired other councils to explore similar engagement strategies.