In 1999, the City of Whittlesea in Victoria was convinced that emerging Internet technology had enormous untapped potential to offer new possibilities for the delivery of Council services. Director of Organisation Development, Neill Hocking, said in the absence of existing systems to support service delivery, Council resolved to take a leadership role, establishing the vision and strategy to deliver electronic services that served both staff and the broader community.
He said the resulting electronic service delivery systems have produced better services, improved citizen communication and significant productivity and costs savings.
Neill Hocking said the current take up by residents of online services at the City of Whittlesea was around 20 per cent. This has generated cost savings of $70,000 a year.
“This is expected to increase to over $500,000 a year when planning and building applications go online and full take up is achieved,” he said. “There are currently 35 Councils across Australia using electronic service delivery systems, with many more likely to join.”
For further information contact Neill Hocking, telephone (03) 9217 2335.