In line with the City of Joondalup’s vision as the Online Learning City, Council has introduced a new computer voting system for elected members.Believed to be the first of its kind for a Local Government in Australia, the system enables Councillors to use laptops to view meeting agendas and register votes.
The public has also been incorporated into the system, whereby they can view motions, voting, and decisions made by each Councillor on a large screen.
Walman Software developed the system over a period of 18 months, at a cost of $15,000. It has been trialed at Joondalup City Council Briefing Sessions and impressed both elected members and observers alike.
Joondalup Mayor, Councillor John Bombak said that the progressive electronic voting system provides greater accountability and public access for the residents of the City.
“It also puts us at the forefront of technology – the exact place we are trying to pitch our progressive University City,” he said Joondalup’s Council Support Services manager, Mike Smith, said that the system has provided a better understanding of events at Council meetings.
“With all the motions and voting clearly displayed on the large screen, everyone is able to see Council’s decisions,” he said.
Councillors will be able to make electronic notes on agendas, keep electronic copies for reference, and post unconfirmed meeting minutes immediately to the Internet. The City of Joondalup’s full Council meetings will see the introduction of the new system in the near future.
For further information contact Joondalup City Council, Publicity Officer, Laurie Brennan on (08) 9400 4485.
