Introduction of new technology can be a costly and time consuming activity, especially for smaller Councils. In the NSW Hunter region, small and large Councils alike, have benefited from pooling their resources in a cooperative regional technology program.
Information Hunter is an initiative of the Hunter Regional Organisation of Councils (HROC) to establish a combined Internet Web site. Including a home page for each member Council, it also provides a range of information about the region.
Originally an initiative of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Councils, it was always intended to incorporate other Councils in the region. The site was established four years ago and is currently receiving 10,000 hits per month. Vince Dale from Lake Macquarie, who was instrumental in setting up the site, said the cooperative effort has had multiple benefits for large and small Councils alike.
“Smaller Councils have embraced the new technology with a great deal of enthusiasm and have made some of the most interesting contributions to the site,” he said. “For them, the use of the Internet can overcome issues of remoteness and distance. They have the potential to realise significant cost savings in terms of reduced need for travel and quicker access to regional and global information.
“Larger Councils have realised greater opportunities to accelerate the use of technology, attract joint funding and can undertake larger projects.
“While amalgamation is often advocated for the cost savings it can achieve, use of technology, in this way means we can realise the benefits of amalgamation while retaining local representation.”
While there is a great deal of national and international interest in the site, particularly from sister cities such as Round Rock in the United States and Tanagura in Japan, the highest percentage of users are from the Hunter region.
The public library network offers a ready access point for the community and in addition provides a regional marketing approach for local business, tourism and investment.
For further information contact Tracey Stinson, telephone (02) 4932 4290.
