Huon Valley Council had plenty to celebrate at the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) Awards for Excellence, held last night at the LGAT Annual Conference, taking home two award wins and a highly commended recognition.
Council was named winner of 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 draws on feedback through the Community Views Survey from more than 1,200 residents alongside social, economic and demographic data to guide council planning, budgeting and policy decisions, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to focus on what matters most to the community. It is underpinned by community forums, a dedicated online engagement platform and partnership agreements with local groups, creating an ongoing process where residents work alongside council to shape the Huon Valley’s future.
Council also received a Delivering Excellence – Highly Commended award for ‘Michael’, the first AI Planning Agent developed specifically for the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, which offers residents free, 24/7 planning advice by phone and is now handling around 160 calls a month.
The evening’s standout moment came with Mayor Sally Doyle receiving the Outstanding Commitment and Service to Local Government Award, recognising her contribution to strengthening communities across the region and the wider sector, including through her roles with TasWaste South, Destination South and the Huon Valley Community Bank.
“This recognition really belongs to the Huon Valley community,” Mayor Doyle said. “Every project, every partnership, comes back to listening to residents and backing what matters to them.”
Acting CEO Lyle Ground said the award reflected years of dedicated leadership.
“Sally’s commitment to this community, and to local government more broadly, has been unwavering,” Mr Ground said. “This is thoroughly deserved recognition of the difference she has made, not just here in the Huon Valley, but across the sector.”
Congratulations to Mayor Doyle and to the whole Huon Valley Council team on a fantastic night.
