Legislature
The principal legislation establishing the powers and functions of councils is the Local Government Act 1993. Section 20 describes the role of councils:
- to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the community
- to represent the interests of the community
- to provide for the peace, order and good government of the municipal area.
Under the Local Government Act 1993, councils can make by-laws in relation to their functions and powers under any legislation.
Several other pieces of legislation also have a significant impact on the operation and activities of councils, concerning building, plumbing, water, environmental management, land use approvals and dog control.
If you want to build or develop land or property in Tasmania, you will most likely have to deal with your local council. They have wide discretionary powers to make planning decisions. See the Planning and Development section.
This page - http://www.iris.tas.gov.au/governance/local_governance/legislature - was last published on
24th October 2008 by the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, State of Tasmania. Questions concerning this site or its content can be submitted via the feedback form, by mail to GPO Box 936, Hobart, TAS, Australia, 7001 or by phoning +61 3 6233 5168.
Please read our copyright, disclaimer and personal information statements governing the information provided.