Media Release - Outstanding council projects honoured at 2026 Local Government Awards for Excellence
The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) was delighted to announce the winners of its 2026 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.
“Each of this year's winners has responded to the unique needs of their community and delivered solutions that will continue to provide benefits for years to come.
“I congratulate Waratah-Wynyard Council, Meander Valley Council and Huon Valley Council on their winning entries.”
Waratah-Wynyard Council won the Delivering Excellence – Smaller Council Award (population under 15,000)
Waratah-Wynyard Council was recognised for its innovative approach to inclusive place-making through the Wynyard Foreshore Sensory Garden. This public space was designed to be enjoyed by as many people as possible, including those living with dementia, people with disability, those with sensory sensitivities, older residents and families.
The garden incorporates accessible pathways, sensory-rich plantings that engage sight, sound, smell and touch throughout the seasons, public art, interpretive signage and quiet spaces for reflection. Together, these elements encourage people to connect with nature, socialise and enjoy moments of calm and wellbeing.
LGAT congratulates Waratah-Wynyard Council for creating a welcoming place that promotes wellbeing, inclusion and connection.
Meander Valley Council won the Delivering Excellence – Larger Council Award (population over 15,000)
Meander Valley Council was recognised for its Deloraine Racecourse Precinct Redevelopment, a project that transformed one of Australia's oldest racecourses into a vibrant community recreation destination while preserving its rich heritage.
Guided by extensive community consultation, Meander Valley delivered a range of recreational features, including walking tracks, an all-ages play space, landscaped parkland and improved accessibility.
Importantly, the redevelopment retained and celebrated key historic structures, ensuring the stories, memories and identity of the former racecourse remain part of the precinct for future generations.
LGAT congratulates Meander Valley Council on delivering a project that successfully balances heritage conservation with contemporary community needs.
Huon Valley Council won the Showcasing Innovation Award
Huon Valley Council received the Showcasing Innovation Award for its Liveability Framework, a community-centred decision-making model believed to be the first of its kind in Australia.
The framework combines feedback from more than 1,200 residents with social, economic and demographic data to guide council planning, budgeting and policy decisions. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, it uses evidence and community priorities to focus on the issues that matter most to residents.
It is supported by community forums, a dedicated online engagement platform and partnership agreements with local groups, creating an ongoing process that empowers communities to work alongside council to improve liveability across the Huon Valley.
LGAT congratulates Huon Valley Council on this innovative collaborative approach, where communities are playing an active role in shaping their future.