West Tamar Council has gained significant value from the introduction of new technology. Through the Internet, this small, north west region of Tasmania is linked to the world with an immediacy which brings New York as close as Hobart. Mark Dabner, who designed and developed Council’s Internet site, said it is now regarded as a valuable information and communications tool the organisation has come to depend on.
“Many businesses fail to appreciate the potential of Internet communications,” he said. “Some managers fear it will be used as a ‘toy,’ distracting staff from the real business at hand.”
In fact the Internet not only provides Council officers with ready access to an enormous range of information pertinent to their work, it is also a convenient way to provide services and information to ratepayers and a highly effective marketing tool for the region.
Established in 1996, Council officers first investigated other Local Government Web sites around Australia. With the benefit of that experience, they aimed for a site which was professional, business like and attractive.
Originally it was expected that a small local base of ‘visitors’ would be established. However, over half the site’s ‘hits’ are international. This unexpected trend caused West Tamar to add more tourist information, with accommodation and photograph pages proving some of the most popular.
From being primarily a tool for ratepayers, it grew into an information resource for the whole West Tamar region. The site is constantly updated and provides major support for local industries. For local users, the site provides Council information, minutes of meetings, newsletters, a highly popular service request system, Council’s strategic plan, contact information and photographs.
Although small, West Tamar has found the establishment of its Web site well worth the investment. Developed internally, and with only two Information Systems staff, Mark Dabner says it shows you do not necessarily have to be big to have a strong presence on the Internet.
For further information contact Mark Dabner, telephone (03) 6383 1106.
