With many of the Northern Territory’s Local Governments being small, remote communities the latest information and communication technology (ICT) can greatly assist in overcoming isolation as well as enhance local services and governance practices.
Since 1999, the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) has been implementing ICT programs for communities across the Territory. These programs have had substantial support from the Commonwealth Government’s Networking the Nation program.
“When we started these projects there were less than 30 email users in the Local Government sector,” said Program Manager, Louise Fuller. “We are now managing with over 700 addresses generating about 3,000 emails each day.
“Our program has grown from community based training on Internet and email usage, to a fully supported ICT infrastructure pilot for remote and regional NT Councils’ online services and business systems.
“We have delivered training to about 1,000 people, upgraded infrastructure in 54 sites across the Territory and published 45 web sites. Additionally, we have migrated 15 Councils to an integrated online business system with managed backup and support services.” LGANT’s staff are highly motivated and very mobile having completed all installations and deployments. A help desk has been established to provide first and second level support.
“The support staff are handling around 400 calls per month and we are able to solve most queries at the time of the call,” Louise Fuller said. “We have arrangements with regional contractors in Alice Springs and Katherine for ongoing specialised technical support for Councils in those areas.”
NT Councils have benefited from the NT Connect project by the provision of independent advice regarding equipment and installations, as well as significantly improved information management capabilities. The business system now being provided to 15 Councils has improved financial management and reporting and has enabled the establishment of a support service for Councils to work with on accounting matters specific to the Local Government sector.
For further information contact Louise Fuller on (08) 8936 2893.
