Huon Valley Council has released a new factsheet to provide clarity around Council’s role in supporting tiny houses and advocating for legislative change at the State level. The factsheet is a part of a broader commitment from Council to work with the community on innovative housing solutions.
Council recognises the significant housing challenges facing the Huon Valley and values the creative approaches our community is taking, including the use of tiny homes on wheels (THOWs). While some residents have called on councils to create new local bylaws supporting THOWs, Tasmanian councils are not able to override State Government legislation.
Huon Valley Mayor Sally Doyle said, “Council cannot change or ignore these laws, but we can, and do, work with our community to find lawful pathways and advocate strongly for reform.”
As part of this commitment, Council already:
- Provides advice and guidance to help residents pursue planning approval for tiny homes where possible
- Takes a compassionate, education-first approach to compliance
- Focuses enforcement only on genuine health, safety, or environmental risks.
Council is also actively advocating for change, lobbying the Tasmanian Government and working through the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) to push for more progressive planning and building laws.
“The housing crisis requires all levels of government working together. Lasting solutions must come through State legislation, and we encourage community members to raise this issue directly with State MPs,” Mayor Doyle said.
Council remains committed to working collaboratively to support alternative housing models.
View the Tiny House on Wheels: Council’s role factsheet on Council’s website www.huonvalley.tas.gov.au/THOW-Factsheet