Each edition we feature the views of a State Local Government Association President. The following is from Mayor Rosemary Craddock, President Local Government Association of South Australia.
South Australian Councils will play a major role in taking new technologies across the State in a series of strategic projects and partnerships valued at between $6 and $13 million. The projects have been developed jointly by Councils, Public Libraries and Regional Development Boards through their peak bodies in a two pronged bid to link the organisations electronically and to help in redressing telecommunications disadvantages.
More than $2.6 million has already been committed by the Commonwealth for two of the projects from the Regional Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (RTIF). Two additional project applications have been lodged seeking a further $7 million.
Furthermore, during this Association’s AGM held on 29 October, I had great delight in announcing an additional $500,000 investment to network Councils and up to $1.5 million worth of funding to cover telecommunications costs for libraries, including public access to the Internet for the next two years.
Objectives targeted by the LGA, the Libraries Board and SA’s Regional Development Association (SARDA) include the following.
- The ability for all communities in SA to access the Internet at local call costs and competitive Internet rates.
- Public access to the Internet from all public and school community libraries in SA and business Internet access at all regional development board offices.
- Establishing an electronic intranet between all Councils with enormous potential for electronic business such as lodgement and transfer of planning applications.
- Access to video conferencing facilities in all non metropolitan communities.
Most of these objectives will be met within 12 months and given the potential availability of additional funds sought, all of them may be achievable before the year 2000. These projects clearly demonstrate what the three spheres of government and local communities can achieve when they work together in this State.
Whilst on the issue of technology, I am delighted to report that the LGA of SA is about to embark on a major strategy with the LGAQ. People involved in Local Government in Queensland will be familiar with that State Association’s Information network called LGAQ Net.
The LGA of SA, with the assistance of LGAQ, is adopting a similar computerised information network that will enable member Councils in South Australia to access a range of key data from the LGA and other organisations online.
Information will be accessible via modem link using Lotus Notes or via the Internet. The opportunities that electronic means of communication can bring to Local Government are many and varied. In this State, the LGA has made a firm commitment that it will maximise these opportunities to bring real benefits to Councils and their communities now and into the future.
Note: Mayor Rosemary Craddock has recently commenced her second term as President of the LGA in SA following her unopposed re-election.
