Five New South Wales Councils are investing more than $100 million to improve services to ratepayers using leading edge computer technology. The syndicate of five Councils – known as Councils Online – has selected Lake Macquarie City Council as the launch site of the new technology. The new software will replace an ageing system and ensure the Councils keep pace with customer, business, and government technological demands.
Lake Macquarie City Council decided to participate in the syndicate of Councils in 1999. After a number of briefing sessions over the past two years, the syndicate including Hornsby, Wyong, Parramatta and Randwick has now chosen a supplier, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Australia. By working with the other Councils the overall costs have been significantly reduced.
“This exciting proposal is the culmination of four years planning and evaluation,” said Lake Macquarie General Manager, Ken Holt. “We have carried out a comprehensive analysis of the systems available to Local Government across Australia, and we believe this is the most cost effective solution.”
The proposed upgrade will take place over the next two years and provide significant benefits to local residents and businesses through improved customer services and better access to information. Benefits of the new system include the following,
- Conducting business on line from home, or any public library, is an advantage for people with physical, financial or time limitations that prevent them from visiting the Council Administration Building.
- Forms, development applications, payments, and submissions can be lodged online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Individuals can keep track of their applications online as they progress.
- Residents will have access to a large range of Council records and documents from the comfort of their own home.
- Customer service staff will have more information available to provide better responses to public requests.
- Increased public access to Council’s processes and records advances the democratic principles of open government and makes Council more accountable for its actions.
For further information contact Lorraine Linstead-Browne, Lake Macquarie’s Public Relations Officer, on (02) 4921 0386.
