by Wendy Michaels*
In December 1996, a project team was formed with members from the Australian Local Government Association, the NSW Local Government and Shires Associations and the Institute of Municipal Engineering Australia (NSW Division) to develop a road safety Internet pilot for NSW.
One of the main aims of the pilot has been to establish a Road Safety Network on the Internet which allows users to find up to date, innovative, road safety information, as well as enabling Councils to communicate good practice in road safety to their communities and beyond.
Councils participating in the pilot are Dubbo, Hurstville, Lake Macquarie, Lismore, Newcastle, Penrith, Port Stephens and Wollongong City Councils. Preparations for launching the pilot have taken place over the last six months, involving the Councils, IMEA, LGSA and ALGA in a joint venture.
Officers from ALGA and LGSA have undertaken Council visits throughout NSW, meeting with Council Road Safety Officers and Information Technology Managers.
The response has been very positive, with the Network officially launched on 1 July 1997. Access to the Network can be gained by visiting any of the Network Partners Web sites.
A full listing of Network Partners and their sites is available at www. alga.com.au/rsnpart.htm
*Wendy Michaels is Senior Policy Officer with the ALGA.
