Each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Mayor Brian Hurn OAM President Local Government Association of South Australia.
Matters relating to Information Management and Technology have been at the forefront of consideration for Local Government for some years and it is evident that the need to retain a focus in these key areas is not about to wane.
Councils are recognising that to assist their communities to play a key role in and benefit from the advancement of the ‘information economy’ they must be seen as leaders and facilitators in this critical area.
South Australian libraries in particular are retaining their relevance to their communities through the provision of services that embrace new technologies and communication media.
By tapping into Networking the Nation funding all regional libraries across the State now provide free public access to the Internet. This service is being promoted to the community under the title of ‘Public Net’.
Another exciting project that involves South Australian libraries and the application of Networking the Nation funding is the establishment of ‘Public Video’. Through this project, 13 trial library sites have been created offering video conferencing terminals to the public.
As a Mayor of a rural area (Barossa Council), I appreciate fully the tremendous advantages these new technologies will have for people in remote areas. These exciting new developments offer members of our communities the opportunity to participate fully in activities that many in major cities take for granted, for example access to further education resources.
On the issue of change and advancements, Local Government in this State is about to enter into discussions with the South Australian Government to determine which sphere of Government is best placed to provide certain services.
Functional reform is not a new concept to many Councils. In a number of remote areas Councils, for some time, have been successfully delivering services that were previously the responsibility of the State Government to the satisfaction of both parties, and importantly to the satisfaction of their community.
Local Government in South Australia will be aided in this process as a direct result of the current favourable relationships that exist between State and Local Government.
During the remainder of this year, the LGA will be working closely with Councils to ensure that accompanying any redistribution of services will be the appropriate level of resourcing. This will ensure that the community receives enhanced and more cost effective services as a result of the reform process and not simply different service providers.
