Technology moves quickly and to make sure residents keep pace, a Smart Community Strategy has been developed by Crows Nest Shire Council, which is 170 kilometres west of Brisbane.
Council identified the need for the Strategy in 2001 with a survey that found 65 per cent of residents had a home computer, 59 per cent had internet access, 50 per cent used email regularly and 24 per cent wanted more training. The Community Net (CNet) web site was developed at www.cnet.com.au as an independent training and information site which is separate from Council’s own web site.
Through CNet, Council offers residents cheap ISP rates without locking them into contracts, and a domain web hosting service so local businesses can register a domain name. Council is also offering free computer training to residents in their homes and at local libraries, retirement villages and schools in word processing, spread sheeting, basic computer maintenance and advanced financial management software.
The Smart Community Strategy was the rural winner of the Information Technology category in the 2002 National Awards for Local Government. CNet had 195,000 hits in the 12 months leading up to the awards, 230 homes were connected to the internet through CNet, 137 homes were supplied with computers in six months through a deferred payment scheme, and 118 residents were given free training.
Council’s Special Projects Officer, Bronwyn Cairns, said the Smart Community Strategy had been developed at very little cost to ratepayers.
“We used dedicated Council staff and innovative community members to implement the program,” Bronwyn Cairns said.
The Strategy has led to the following results.
- A community portal promoting the Shire’s lifestyle and great opportunities.
- Fast, affordable and reliable internet access.
- Computer package installation and connection, with a deferred payment option.
- ICT infrastructure, including audits and liaison with telcos.
- An interactive, interested and informed community.
“Potential exists to use the Smart Community Strategy in other communities and negotiations are being undertaken with several bodies to provide these services on a commercial basis,” Bronwyn Cairns said. For further information contact Bronwyn Cairns on (07) 4698 1155.
