Huon Valley Council is replacing four separate by-laws with one comprehensive municipal by-law, simplifying rules for residents and businesses while maintaining current services and protections.
Following community engagement in September and October 2025, Council has resolved to introduce the Huon Valley Municipal Area By-law 2026, expected to take effect around July 1, 2026, when published in the Government Gazette.
What stays the same
Residents can expect minimal disruption, with existing parking, camping, animal control, waste disposal, sports bookings and commercial activity rules continuing largely unchanged. Current user agreements, permits and bookings will automatically transfer to the new by-law, and waste collection services and schedules remain unaffected.
New features and improvements
The new by-law introduces electronic permit applications for events, commercial activities and facility hire, along with clearer guidelines for keeping chickens and other animals in residential areas. Enhanced environmental protections include improved wastewater disposal rules and stronger infrastructure safeguards for stormwater systems and council facilities.
Other improvements include standardised penalties with early payment discounts and a new appeal process for property bans.
What’s changing
Separate caravan occupation rules are being removed and now covered by planning laws instead. Multiple permit systems are being consolidated into one streamlined process, and inconsistent penalties are being replaced with fair, standardised fines.
Key benefits
The single by-law replaces multiple separate documents with clearer, plainer language. Residents will benefit from faster permit processing, fairer penalties, better asset protection and consistent requirements across all activities.
Have your say
Council is now undertaking formal engagement on the proposed by-law. All submissions will be considered before finalisation.
For full details, visit New Huon Valley Municipal Area By-law | Engage Huon Valley