A program, called Linking Councils and Communities, is set to enhance the ability for Councils in Western Australia to interact with their communities via the Internet. The program is being developed by the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) and funded through the Commonwealth’s Networking the Nation Program.
It concentrates on rural and regional remote Western Australia providing access to infrastructure, tools, expertise and education to develop shared online services delivery of Local Government services via the Internet.
“It will allow online interaction between ratepayers, the Council, community members, interest groups and suppliers, in an environment where distance is often a barrier to communication and business opportunities,” said WALGA Chief Executive Officer, Ricky Burgess. “While available to all Councils, the initial focus is on those Councils that don’t already have an online presence, particularly in regional areas of the State.”
WALGA is currently undertaking the educational stage of the program, visiting Councils, informing and educating them on the use and benefits of the program. It is expected that the program will be fully implemented by the middle of this year. It will include such services as web hosting, GIS components, online billing and online purchasing opportunities, to name a few.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Councils in WA to offer their communities enhanced access to information and services and it will position Local Governments right across the State as business leaders in their communities,” Ricky Burgess said.
For further information, contact Linking the Councils and Communities Program Manager, Alden Lee on (08) 9213 2080.
