Welcome to the Northern Midlands Council - Councillor Induction Program.
This program is specifically designed for Councillors to provide an understanding of:
As part of this Councillor Induction there is a Frequently Asked Questions section (located at the foot of the Our Council section), to answer some practical questions that new Councillors will have as they commence in the role. In addition to this core induction material, additional resources are being developed to assist Councillors in the area of personal professional development.
It is strongly recommended that you include the Local Government Association of Tasmania - Councillor Resource Kit as an essential component of your induction program; this kit has been produced by the Local Government Association of Tasmania as an introduction to the role of Councillor.
This Northern Midlands Council - Councillor Induction recognises the diverse backgrounds of Councillors, with a self paced approach to the induction program allowing individuals to identify information that is relevant to their learning needs. The program is divided into five key categories.
Follow the links below to work your way through the categories and navigate through the program.
In Australia there are three spheres of Government, federal, state and local. At a local government level in Tasmania, there are 29 councils each responsible for their own municipality.
Northern Midlands Council is governed by various pieces of legislation including the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (General) Regulations 2005 (Tasmania).
To view the Local Government Act click here or to view the Local Government (General) Regulations click here.
This Act and accompanying Regulations require local government to be responsible and accountable for its own governance requirements. Section 20 of the Act describes the functions and powers of council.
In addition to any functions of a council in this or any other Act, a council has the following functions:
In performing its functions, a council is to consult, involve and be accountable to the community.
A council may do anything necessary or convenient to perform its functions either within or outside its municipal area.
A council may transfer to a single authority or a joint authority –
A council may –
To search for additional legislation and/or by-laws the following link will take you to Tasmanian Legislation Online.
A by-law is a law made by a Council. By-laws must relate to the functions and powers of Councils as established under the Local Government Act 1993 and can only apply to the municipal area of the Council that has made the by-law.
The power to make by-laws is delegated to Councils by the Tasmanian Parliament, which has prescribed a detailed process for the making of by-laws.
The procedure for making a by-law requires a draft of the by-law and an approved regulatory impact statement to be released for public comment as per the Local Government Act 1993, Sections 145 to 174. Additional information on the making of by-laws can be found on the Local Government Division website below.
Northern Midlands Council has a popularly elected Mayor, Deputy Mayor and 7 other Councillors, from 2014 Councillors will be elected for a term of 4 years.
A Councillor, in the capacity of an individual Councillor, has the following functions:
The functions of Mayor are -
The mayor or deputy mayor is to represent accurately the policies and decisions of the council in performing the functions of mayor or deputy mayor.
The deputy mayor is to act in the position of mayor and exercise the powers and perform the functions of mayor if:
The mayor, by notice in writing, may delegate for a specified period:
An appointment under subsection (2) remains in force:
(a) for the period specified in the notice; or
(b) until sooner revoked.
Additional Resource – Role of Mayor
The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) has produced a Mayoral Handbook to provide more comprehensive information regarding the role and responsibilities of the Mayor.
Click here to access the LGAT Mayoral Handbook
Further Reading – Role of Mayor
The Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government released a discussion paper in September 2012 titled Australian Mayors: What Can and Should They Do
Click here to read the discussion paper titled Australian Mayors: What Can and Should They Do.
The General Manager is appointed by the Council to manage the operations of Northern Midlands Council.
The Local Government Act 1993 identifies that the General Manager has the following functions and powers;
Further Reading – Relationship between Mayor and General Manager
The Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government released a discussion paper in September 2012 titled Political Management in Australian Local Government Exploring Roles and Relationships between Mayors and CEO’s.
Local Government Association of Tasmania
Council and Councillors have access to the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT). The Local Government Association of Tasmania has information to assist Councils, Elected Members and Employees working in Local Government. In addition, the Local Government Association deliver learning opportunities for Councillors, there are also comprehensive resources on the LGAT site to provide Councillors with extensive knowledge relating to their role and responsibilities.
Australian Local Government Association
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is the national voice of Local Government in Australia representing more than 565 Councils across Australia. The Australian Local Government Association website has numerous resources aimed at assisting Council’s nationwide.
Northern Tasmania Development Corporation (NTDC)
Northern Tasmania Development represents 8 Councils in Northern Tasmania advancing the interests and development of Northern Tasmania by facilitating and co-ordinating worthy economic and community initiatives. Together with this, NTDC offers intelligence on developments within the Northern Region, and acts as a springboard to further information for business opportunities.
Local Government Division – Department of Premier and Cabinet
Council also reports to the Local Government Division – Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC) who are responsible for managing the relationship between state and local government, monitoring local government performance, as well as providing guidance to local government.
There are a number of useful resources for Councillors on the DPAC website and it is worthwhile browsing the contents of this site to familiarise yourself with the information available to assist you in your role.
Tasmanian State Government - Departments
The Tasmanian Government has various agencies with defined areas of responsibility; these agencies are underpinned by individual government departments.
Parks and Wildlife
Parks and Wildlife are one of the State Government Departments mentioned above, with the responsibility for managing the states natural and cultural heritage. This also includes the management of National Parks, Reserves and Crown Land.
North/East Tasmania – Local Government Sub Regional Alliance
Northern Midlands Council has established an alliance with 5 other Councils in North Eastern Tasmania to identify efficiencies and explore potential resource sharing opportunities. Members of the Sub Regional Alliance include:
Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development
At a federal level the Australian Government offers assistance and advice to local governments across Australia through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website provides information regarding funding and grant opportunities for local government, as well as national reporting on operations and performance at a local government level for each state.
The Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) was established in 2009 following Australian Government funding support to showcase innovation and best practice across local government and encourage the adoption of innovative practices and solutions. The Centre’s mandate was to enhance professionalism and skills in local government, showcase innovation and best practice, and facilitate a better-informed policy debate. The Centre concluded operations in 2016.
The digital archive of ACELG research outputs includes over one hundred reports and online resources that cover a broad spectrum of local government activities and operations. Many of these publications include practical guides, tools and templates which are being utilised by Australian councils to develop internal capacity and apply research findings in day-to-day operations.
The Integrity Commission
The Integrity Commission was formed in October 2010 and is independent of government. Its role is to improve the standard of conduct and ethics in Tasmania's public authorities, including local government. The Integrity Commission has the ability to receive and investigate complaints in relation to public office within their jurisdiction.
As an Elected Member there are fact sheets available from The Integrity Commission that provide additional information on the expectations of appropriate conduct while in public office.
Northern Midlands Council strives to provide leadership in the community, assisting Northern Midlands communities to identify, articulate and achieve community and social goals. Council embraces the concept of community capacity building: that is, facilitating the ability of community members, governments and businesses, to take the steps to find solutions to issues in their own communities.
Council faces many challenges in forthcoming years that will be proactively addressed by maintaining financial discipline, building on our public and private partnerships, and collaborating to provide best value services to the community. Council’s Strategic Plan 2021-2027 sets out how Council will continue to do its share towards making the Northern Midlands a highly attractive place to live, work and invest.
Northern Midlands is an enviable place to live, work and play. Connected communities enjoy safe, secure lives in beautiful historical towns and villages. Our clean, green agricultural products are globally valued. Local Business and industry is strongly innovative and sustainable.
Serve with honesty, integrity, innovation and pride.
Council is committed to strong advocacy and community collaboration. Living responsibly within our means, through transparent financial planning and governance. Staff culture espouses integrity, honesty and pride.
Nurture and support economic health and wealth. Economic health and wealth — grow and prosper. Our infrastructure growth builds capacity and economic sustainability. We support diverse, innovative, independent business and industry.
We thrive with strong collaborative regional partnerships.
Build a vibrant society that respects the past.
Culture and society – a vibrant future that respects the past.
Diverse towns and villages service a rural-based industry. Connectivity challenges are innovatively managed to unite disparate communities. Equitable delivery of quality assets, programs and services supports sustainability.
Nurture our heritage environment.
We cherish the historical heritage of our culture and all its people. It is firmly embedded in planning for the future — an enviable place to live, work and play. We protect our environment and work with business and industry to protect inherent values.
Treat all with honesty, respect and trust.
Listen, learn and proactively deliver Council's vision.
Explore, expand and adapt to achieve a shared vision.
Serve community with pride and energy.
The overarching element of governance at Northern Midlands Council is the Code of Conduct. It is a requirement of the Local Government Act 1993, subject to Section 28T, that Council must adopt a code relating to the conduct of Councillors.
The Code of Conduct for Elected Members – can be accessed through the Policy Manual, Northern Midlands Council has also implemented a Code of Conduct for Employees – both of these policies ensure that elected members and employees understand Council’s expectations regarding appropriate conduct.
To view the Code of Conduct for Elected Members click here
At Northern Midlands Council the Executive Team is made up of the General Manager and four Business Unit Managers. The following Organisational Structure provides additional detail regarding the structure of the Northern Midlands Council.
Organisational Chart
You can download Council's current delegations register by clicking on this link.
Council meetings follow a formal structure and are governed by the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015, to access these regulations click here. In addition, Northern Midlands Council has implemented a Meeting Policy to assist with the regulation of meetings, to view the Policy Manual click here.
Northern Midland Council and Committee meetings are usually held at the Council Chambers in Smith Street Longford, with Ordinary meetings of Council being held monthly, in accordance with a predetermined schedule of meeting dates (published on the website).
Meetings commence at 5.00pm and public question time is held at 5.30pm when the gallery is invited by the Mayor to make representations on planning matters or to pose questions to Council.
Previous Council meeting information including Agendas, Agenda Attachments and Minutes are available on the Northern Midlands Council website. Meetings are open to the public except where there is discussion of confidential items which will be discussed in a closed meeting – for additional information regarding closed meetings refer to the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.
Section 340A of the Local Government Act 1993 entitles Councillors to an allowance as prescribed in the regulations. In addition to this allowance, there is an additional allowance for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. For further information regarding these allowances please see the Local Government Act 1993 Section 340A.
The Local Government Division – Tasmania has released a publication to assist Councillors understand the payment of allowances. To access the Local Government Division’s Information Sheet regarding Councillor Allowances click here.
For specific information relating to the payment of allowances at Northern Midlands Council refer Council's Policy - Councillor Allowances, Travelling and Other Expenses in the Policy Manual.
Interestingly, Tasmania is the only state that does not require political donations and gifts in local government elections to be disclosed to the public. Regardless, the Northern Midlands Council's Code of Conduct for Elected Members provides rules for Councillors regarding donations and benefits, click here to view this policy in the Policy Manual.
Councillors must ensure as part of their duties, they:
This induction has identified a number of Council policies, it is important that Councillors have an understanding of the current suite of Council policies as they set the guidelines for Employees and Councillors to follow in accordance with Acts and Regulations.
To access Northern Midlands Council’s full Policy Manual click here. The policies with direct relevance to the role of Councillor include:
The Archives Act 1983 and Local Government Act 1993 require that Local Government Authorities, which includes Councils, make and keep full and accurate records of their activities.
Councillors are subject to the Act when they create or receive records while conducting council business. Records can be correspondence, emails, faxes, documents, plans, records of meetings, telephone conversations or text messages; and can be paper-based or electronic.
The Mayor and Councillors have some basic obligations:
To assist you to meet these obligations and protect your safety, Council has a standard inwards mail process. All hard copy mail relating to council business addressed to you that is received at Council will be:
For records of official council business, including faxes and emails, you have received or created elsewhere you should send these to Council for information management storage and disposal in accordance with legislation.
The point of contact for assistance with this at Northern Midlands Council is the Executive Officer.
The Tasmanian Archives and Heritage Office (TAHO) released Advice 49 – Recordkeeping for Local Government Councillors.
If further information is required after reading the advice in the link below, the TAHO can be contacted for further information on the following email address; grk@education.tas.gov.au.
The Strategic Plan with its vision for the area is an essential part of Council’s role in providing leadership and guidance for the benefit of its citizens. The Plan assists in the development of programs, services and future strategies for Local Government in the region. It guides future directions of Council and acts as a catalyst to form financial, physical and human resource plans; and shapes the priorities Council places on future activities.
To view the Northern Midlands Council Strategic Plan click here
The Annual Plan is based on the contents of the Strategic Plan and details the annual activities of Council and includes a list of projects that have been provided for in the budget.
To view the Northern Midlands Council Annual Plan click here.
The Budget Financial Report provides an overview of the approved annual budget for the current financial year and is located in the June Council Meeting Agenda papers for each year follow this link to Council Meeting Agendas.
The Budget process each year commences in March and includes:
In recent years the following parameters have been adopted to frame the Budget:
Where and when are Council Meetings held?
Council Meetings are held in accordance with a predetermined schedule of meeting dates (published on the website), in the Council Chamber which is located with in Council’s Administration Building at 13 Smith Street, Longford commencing at 5 pm.
Where do I park for Council Meetings?
There are limited parking spots available at the rear of the Council premises, if these are full then there is always on street parking available at the front of the building.
Where do I enter the main Council Building for Council Meetings?
Councillors can enter through the main entrance (if during business hours) or via the back entry from the car park at the rear of the building.
Am I allocated a key to access the Council building?
Councillors will not require a key to the building; the building will be unlocked and accessible if you are required to attend Council Meetings.
Where do I park if I need to attend a meeting at Council during business hours?
There is a public car park alongside the building, and on-street parking is also available.
What should I wear to Council Meetings?
Councillors are to maintain a professional standard of dress; smart casual attire is required.
Do I need to bring meals and/or drinks to Council Meetings?
Councillors have access to toilet and meal/drink amenities and breaks during Council Meetings, if meetings are conducted across normal meal times, then catering will be supplied. If you have any special dietary requirements please advise Council’s Executive Officer who will ensure that these requirements are met.
Where do I sit in the Council Chamber?
Every Councillor is allocated a designated seat around the table; your place will have a name plaque to indicate where you need to sit.
Am I provided with a computer to perform the role of Councillor?
Councillors are provided with an allowance for technology to purchase equipment in order to effectively perform the role of Councillor, a laptop locked for corporate business systems (with internet access if required) is provided.
If I am having ‘technology’ issues with my iPad who do I contact for help?
Council has an IT Officer who can be contacted on 6397 7303 for training and support.
Can I set up a ‘Councillor’ page on social media to communicate with the public?
If you choose to create a social media presence then you must be mindful of the restrictions on what you can and can’t say, it is important that you understand that you are not authorised to ‘comment’ on matters on behalf of Northern Midlands Council. It is recommended that you seek advice and understand your responsibilities before embarking on social media as a ‘Councillor’.
Do I need to provide my email address, private address and contact details to NMC for release to the public?
As a Councillor you will need to nominate your contact details, these will be publicly available to the community. It is up to you whether you choose to release your private home phone number or alternatively your mobile number and email address, it is important that you are accessible to the community but it is also important that you consider the impacts on your family if providing home as your preferred contact.
Do I have ‘Councillor’ business cards supplied by Northern Midlands Council?
Council will provide you with business cards; these will be arranged once you have nominated your contact details such as phone and email address. If you need to re-order business cards, these can be arranged with Council’s Executive Officer.
What happens to the mail I receive that is sent to Council?
Council has information management procedures that apply to any correspondence received. Formal business correspondence is recorded in Council’s information management system and then placed in your office collection point.
Is there administrative/secretarial support available at Council if I need to send a letter or draft an agenda item?
Council’s Executive Officer can assist with administrative support. Any assistance will need to be prioritised in line with the other tasks that the Executive Officer is required to perform, so it is important that you pre-arrange any assistance to ensure that the Executive Officer can allocate the appropriate time to assist and meet any deadlines.
What reports are provided by Senior Management to Council Meetings?
Each Business Unit Manager at Northern Midlands Council is required to provide a monthly report for information, this report will be included in the Agenda and the Business Unit Manager will attend the meeting to discuss and respond to any questions.
Can I access documents stored in Council’s information management system?
Councillors are bound by privacy regulations and cannot freely access Council documents. There may be items that Councillors have a right to access but this access would be determined by the General Manager and are uploaded to Council’s secure site. If you would like to view/access any other Council document you will need to provide any such request in writing to the General Manager.
How long do I have to review the Agenda before each Council Meeting?
The Council Meeting Regulations require that the General Manager provide each Councillor with the agenda a minimum of 4 days before an ordinary Council Meeting and are made available on Council’s secure site to download to your Council approved device.
What if I have an item to raise at a Council Meeting?
Councillors need to formally request that a report be prepared as an Agenda Item prior to the closing date for Agenda Items for the upcoming meeting. Councillors are provided with the list of closing dates for Agenda Items on an annual basis.
What if I am sick or unable to attend a Council Meeting(s)?
If you are unable to attend a Council Meeting you will need to inform the Mayor of your inability to attend and your absence will be noted as an apology.
What do I call the Chairperson at the Council Meeting?
Councillors must refer to the Chairperson by their title, such as Mayor or Deputy Mayor.
What is the protocol if I would like to speak at a Council Meeting?
Council Meetings are governed by legislation; you will be provided an opportunity to ask questions by the Chair of the meeting, who in the majority of circumstances will be the Mayor. It is up to the Chairperson to determine who speaks in what order.
Who do I contact at Council if I need information on a matter that a member of the public has asked me to look into?
Firstly, suggest that the member of the public contact the appropriate Council Officer. If this has already occurred and the member of the public is dissatisfied with the outcome, you could arrange a meeting with the General Manager raising the matter on behalf of the member of the public - providing details so that the General Manager can follow up on the matter.
What do I do if an employee approaches me about a matter at Council?
There is a policy governing Councillor and Employee communication. Councillors will need to advise the employee that they need to raise any issues with either their Manager or Human Resources. Alternatively, depending on the nature of the issue Councillors could suggest employee’s access the Employee Assistance Program for counselling, if appropriate.
What Work Health & Safety obligations do I have as a Councillor?
Councillors need to acquire and maintain knowledge of the legislative requirements, understand the nature of the operations of Council and the associated risks and hazards (at a level reasonable in relation to their position) and ensure appropriate resources and processes are in place.
When and how is my Allowance paid?
Your allowance will be automatically paid into your account once Northern Midlands Council has your bank details. Payments are made quarterly, however can be made fortnightly upon request.
At the 2020 Australian Bureau of Statistics census, the Northern Midlands recorded 13,598 residents, with 60% of residents living in or near the northern towns of Longford, Perth, Evandale and the rural residential estate of Devon Hills.
Northern Midlands Council encourages new residents to join their community. There is a ‘New Residents Kit’ containing information on the area including community groups and facilities, available to residents. This information is forwarded to all new ratepayers and can be accessed directly on the website or, on request a hard copy pack can be mailed out.
Click here to view the Northern Midlands Council - New Residents Kit information
Section 23 and 24 of The Local Government Act 1993 (Tasmania) states that Council may establish Committees to assist with the carrying out of its functions, the following link to the Act provides additional information: The Local Government Act 1993
Northern Midlands Council has appointed a number of Committees, details of which are on Council’s website. Each Committee includes at least one Councillor representative, as appointed by the Council.
Progress and Special Interest Groups are created by community members to progress an area of interest. These progress or special interest groups bring together like minded individuals to lobby Council with the aim to progress a particular issue or agenda. The types of special interest or progress groups may include ‘Rate Payers’ who are dissatisfied with an action/s of Council or a ‘Lobby Group’ who are keen for Council to progress a particular development in their area. As a Councillor you may receive a request to meet or receive written communications from these groups; it is important to understand that these progress or special interest groups are not a ‘Committee’ as above, but a group created externally to Council.
Northern Midlands Council has a number of Volunteers who work through out the organisation. Community members wishing to pursue an interest in becoming a Council Volunteer should contact Council's Executive Officer for further information.
A number of community events are held annually in the Northern Midlands, the dates and types of events change from time to time, to learn more about what is happening in the Northern Midlands municipal area click the link below.
Click here to access the Northern Midlands Council – Calendar of Events
The Northern Midlands Council Australia Day Honour Roll monument is located at Victoria Square (Village Green) at Longford.
The Honour Roll commemorates the centenary of Rotary International (1905-2005) and displays the names of the Northern Midlands Council Australia Day Award recipients since 1994; and was jointly funded by the Rotary Club of Longford and the Northern Midlands Council.
For information on other Northern Midland Council Awards click here
Northern Midlands Council in partnership with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship conducts Citizenship Ceremonies for new Australians. Citizenship ceremonies are held throughout the year on an ‘as required’ basis; in addition a Citizenship Ceremony is held annually in conjunction with Council’s Australia Day celebrations.
Many residents choose to live in the Northern Midlands for the relaxed country lifestyle in or near our heritage towns and villages, whilst being close enough to the city of Launceston to access and enjoy the urban services, educational facilities and workplaces.
The Northern Midlands’ heritage towns, magnificent Georgian architecture, picturesque countryside, antiques and speciality shops, variety of eating and meeting places, trout fishing, family events, festivals, country shows, strong arts community, and World Heritage Listed convict built Brickendon and Woolmers Estates make the area attractive to visitors and locals alike.
Council is committed to ensuring our communities are vibrant, sustainable and resilient whilst promoting their diversity and conserving the heritage values of our historic properties and landscape.
The Administration Offices of the Northern Midlands Council are situated at 13 Smith Street Longford. The Northern Midlands municipality covers the northern midland region of Tasmania traversing a diverse landscape; additional information regarding the area and landscape can be found on our website.
Click here to view the Northern Midlands Council website
As a Councillor at Northern Midlands Council you will be representing the community and it is important that you have an understanding of the townships and areas that comprise the Northern Midlands municipal area.
The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) provides information regarding the Tasmanian Local Government Areas and the boundaries of each municipality in the state, to see this map refer the LGAT website link provided:
The following link to our website provides some historical information regarding the amalgamation and creation of Northern Midlands Council and the diverse townships and landscapes which make up our municipality.
Northern Midlands Council - Historical Information
The Northern Midlands Council was created on the 2nd April 1993 from the merger of the former Municipalities of Longford, Evandale, Campbell Town and Ross, together with the towns of Rossarden, Avoca and Royal George from the Fingal municipality.
It covers an area of 5,130 square kilometres, extending from Liffey Bluff in the west to Mount St John in the east (150 kms) and from Relbia in the north to Tooms Lake in the south (95 kms).
Northern Midlands is one of the largest and most diverse municipal areas in Tasmania. It ranges from mountainous country on its eastern and western boundaries to extensive grazing lands renowned for fine wool production, the rich agricultural river flats of the Esk, Lake and Macquarie Rivers; historic towns and villages, and from small businesses to multi-million dollar enterprises. Many of the towns and villages have distinctive heritage qualities which make them attractive places to live. The population of the Northern Midlands was estimated to be 13,598 by the 2020 ABS figures. This was 2.5% of the estimated State population that totalled 540,780.
The following link to the Australian Bureau of Statistics provides the most recent statistical information relating to the Northern Midlands municipality; and includes a profile of the community across the region by population, economy, industry, energy and environment;
Click here to view the Australian Bureau of Statistics – Northern Midlands Municipality
The above link also provides links to additional statistics on previous year's data to enable comparisons regarding decline and/or growth areas.
The Northern Midlands is one of the largest and most diverse municipal areas in Tasmania. It covers an area of 5,130 sq kms, extending from Liffey Bluff in the west to Mt St John in the east, and from Relbia in the north to Tooms Lake in the south. It ranges from mountainous country on its eastern and western boundaries, to extensive grazing lands renowned for fine wool production and the rich agricultural river flats of the Esk, Lake and Macquarie Rivers.
The planning process focuses particularly on the impact of a proposal on the site and neighbouring land, including but not limited to the following types of issues:
There are a number of key State legislations which make up Tasmania’s Resource Management and Planning System. As a result all activities are defined as either a ‘use’ or ‘development’.
It is a requirement under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (LUPAA) that Northern Midlands Council prepare a planning scheme for its municipal district to regulate all uses and developments. The planning scheme prepared by the Council and any subsequent amendments are subject to a statutory process and also subject to the approval of the Tasmanian Planning Commission (Commission). Once approved, the planning scheme is a legal document to which Council and the community are bound to follow.
Click here for further information on the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
As part of the State Government’s planning reform package, a Statewide Template was issued. This template provided the format, including zones and definitions that were required to be adhered to by all future planning schemes in the State.
The Northern Midlands Council Interim Planning Scheme has been declared for the municipal area and became effective from Saturday 1 June 2013.
Click here to view the Northern Midlands Council Interim Planning Scheme.
All uses and developments are controlled by the Council’s planning scheme under Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 the Council is given responsibility as the ‘Planning Authority’ to consider planning permits. As the Planning Authority, the Council is required to determine planning applications in accordance with the planning scheme and any other relevant legislation.
Click here to access the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993
If an applicant or representative disagrees with a planning decision made by Northern Midlands Council they may appeal the decision to the Tasmanian Civil & administrative Tribunal (TASCAT). TASCAT are the final arbitrators and their decision is binding on all parties (except on points of law which may be taken to the Supreme Court). TASCAT have the authority to make any decision they consider appropriate and to award costs (although the awarding of costs is extremely rare).
Click here to visit the Tasmanian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT)
The Local Government Association of Tasmania’s Councillor Resource Kit provides more information on Tasmania’s Planning System which applies to Local Government in Tasmania.
The term ‘natural resources’ refers to environmental assets including air, water, land, plants, animals and micro-organisms. Individual assets are not isolated; however, they are linked together to form natural systems of varying scale such as rivers, lakes and wetlands, estuaries and coasts, forests, fields, geological systems and resources, and mountains.
Natural resource management reflects these linkages within and between natural systems. It integrates the management of social, economic and environmental values by involving the community and industry in planning and decision making.
Natural resource management is fundamentally about people. The success of natural resource management is ultimately determined by the level of community involvement and the adoption of ecologically sustainable practices across the community.
Natural Resource Management has been fostered and developed in Australia over the past two decades by a number of Government programs, both Commonwealth and State, and through regional and local initiatives.
Funding assistance and support has been directed to hundreds of natural resource management projects and has encouraged broad community involvement: marshalling the commitment of community groups, land holders and land managers, all three tiers of government, as well as bodies dedicated to NRM program delivery.
Natural Resource Management (NRM) describes the sustainable management of our natural resources (our land, water, marine and biological systems). The sustainable management of natural resources is vital if we are to ensure our ongoing social, economic and environmental wellbeing.
Natural Resource Management (NRM) services are provided by Northern Midlands Council through a partnership with NRM North, the Regional NRM Organisation for Northern Tasmania.
This partnership has provided a Natural Resource Management Facilitator that is based in Longford to assist the Community.
These services take the form of:
The Northern Midlands has a diverse and expanding economy. There are many business and investment opportunities in most industry sectors, particularly in the core industries of agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and services. The many sustainable competitive advantages of the Northern Midlands result in the area having a higher than state average rate of population growth, led by internal migration. Plans for new residential subdivisions are consistently being lodged with council, and realistically priced real estate coming onto the market sells readily.
The State Government’s Department of State Growth has developed The Business Tasmania site providing business information and support. The site includes assistance with:
Click here to visit the Business Tasmania website
The following are some examples of successful businesses and industries in the Northern Midlands municipality:
The sustainable competitive business advantages of the Northern Midlands municipality include:
Northern Midlands Council has developed the precinct which is adjacent and surrounding Launceston Airport – the largest freight operation in Tasmania. Many companies have already identified and taken advantage of TRANSlink’s strategic location and its user-friendly planning scheme, and highly competitive rating and fees schedule.
The Northern Midlands Business Association (NMBA) was formed in 1999 and works to promote economic development in the Northern Midlands through the fostering, promotion and development of local businesses.
Click here to visit the Northern Midlands Business Association website
Tasmania's Heritage Highway Tourism Association showcases the region surrounding Tasmania’s first main road.
Click here to visit the Heritage Highway website
Visit Northern Tasmania (VNT) is the regional tourism organisation for Northern Tasmania, funded by participating councils and Tourism Tasmania.
Although funded by Councils and Tourism Tasmania, VNT is an industry-led organisation working in partnership with Local Tourism Associations within the region, providing opportunities for greater collaboration in the areas of; destination marketing, visitor information provision, investment attraction and product development, industry skills development, and advocacy on behalf of our industry.