This page has been developed to provide information to candidates, Councillors and members of the community regarding the role of Council and of Councillors.

Introduction to Local Government

Nine introductory modules covering Local Government in Tasmania. Each module runs for 10 to 15 minutes.

ModuleVideoTranscript
Understanding Local GovernmentWatch (10 min)PDF, 138 KB
Governance and RolesWatch (13 min)PDF, 143 KB
Planning, Budgeting and EngagementWatch (13 min)PDF, 78 KB
Good Governance and CouncillorsWatch (11 min)PDF, 152 KB
Councillor Conduct and IntegrityWatch (10 min)PDF, 156 KB
How Council Makes DecisionsWatch (11 min)PDF, 156 KB
Local Government OversightWatch (12 min)PDF, 161 KB
Councillors and the WorkplaceWatch (8 min)PDF, 70 KB
Council as a Planning AuthorityWatch (11 min)PDF, 75 KB

Huon Valley Council modules

These modules are specific to the operation of the Huon Valley Council and are provided to new Councillors as part of their induction, for viewing in the lead up to taking office. This allows new Councillors to ask questions and reduces the need for dedicated induction workshops, so the new Council can focus on the work ahead.

Strategy, finance and assets

ModuleVideoTranscript
Strategic PlanningWatch (15 min)PDF, 92 KB
Liveability FrameworkWatch (13 min)PDF, 85 KB
Financial Management and the BudgetWatch (12 min)PDF, 82 KB
Rates and ChargesWatch (15 min)PDF, 88 KB
Asset ManagementWatch (15 min)PDF, 89 KB

General governance

ModuleVideoTranscript
Policy and ProcedureWatch (15 min)PDF, 88 KB
Risk ManagementWatch (15 min)PDF, 86 KB
DelegationsWatch (16 min)PDF, 88 KB
The Audit PanelWatch (17 min)PDF, 90 KB
CEO Performance Review CommitteeWatch (13 min)PDF, 102 KB
The Huon Valley Municipal Area By-lawWatch (14 min)PDF, 75 KB

Specific roles and functions

ModuleVideoTranscript
Strategic Land Use Planning Part 1Watch (10 min)PDF, 78 KB
Strategic Land Use Planning Part 2Watch (14 min)PDF, 86 KB
Emergency Management and RecoveryWatch (15 min)PDF, 67 KB

Councillors

ModuleVideoTranscript
Councillor Allowances and ExpensesWatch (15 min)PDF, 89 KB
Managing InterestsWatch (16 min)PDF, 90 KB

Council meetings

ModuleVideoTranscript
Meeting Procedures Regulations OverviewWatch (13 min)PDF, 138 KB
Council Meeting Agenda Explained
(Council Meeting Agenda – Explanatory Notes August 2026)
Watch (15 min)PDF, 152 KB
Motions and Decision Making – Part 1Watch (9 min)PDF, 94 KB
Motions and Decision Making – Part 2Watch (11 min)PDF, 96 KB

Community

ModuleVideoTranscript
Annual Report and Community ForumWatch (10 min)PDF, 94 KB
The Annual General MeetingWatch (11 min)PDF, 96 KB
Community EngagementWatch (15 min)PDF, 107 KB
Public Participation – Part 1Watch (10 min)PDF, 96 KB
Public Participation – Part 2Watch (10 min)PDF, 75 KB

Further information

Candidates and Councillors are also encouraged to enrol in the Learn to Lead in Local Government learning and development programme for Tasmanian Councils at: www.learntolead.tas.gov.au

Additional information is available from the Local Government Division of Tasmania website: www.dpac.tas.gov.au/government-information/local-government and the Local Government Association of Tasmania website www.lgat.tas.gov.au