Local government sector outlines reform priorities for this election
We have outlined key priorities for the local government sector ahead of the upcoming state election, calling for stronger collaboration with all levels of government to address the state’s growing infrastructure, planning, and community development needs.
As the level of government closest to the community, councils play a central role in delivering services and infrastructure that directly impact the daily lives of Tasmanians. With the state’s increasing popularity as a place to live and visit, we are seeking a more coordinated and strategic approach to managing growth and development.
Tasmania has an outdated planning framework, an unfair road funding model and a comprehensive reform agenda for local government. These all require the right resourcing.
That's why we are advocating for:
- A focus on Tasmania's outdated planning framework to deliver strategic policy guidance.
- The establishment of an infrastructure contributions framework to fairly distribute costs between developers.
- A comprehensive suite of planning resources to support applicants.
- A fair distribution of the Heavy Vehicle Motor Tax to councils.
- The reinvestment of speeding fine revenue directly into local road safety for drivers and vulnerable road users.
- The implementation of the Future of Local Government Review reform agenda.
- An amendment to the Local Government Act so that rate concessions are targeted at those in genuine need.
We urge all political candidates to commit to working in genuine partnership with councils to deliver the infrastructure, services, and reforms needed to support Tasmania’s future.