Mapoon Aboriginal Council, in partnership with the Cape York Digital Network (CYDN), has developed an Information Technology and Communications system. The CYDN was established in 2001 to provide enhanced information, communication and technology to communities in the Cape York region of Queensland.
Mapoon is located on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula and is over 800 kilometres north west of Cairns. Cape York covers more than 137,000 kilometres and has a population of 18,000 people across 16 communities.
Mapoon’s Finance Manager, Jason Pfingst, said CYDN has provided Mapoon with a range of technology products and services designed to meet Council’s business requirements.
“Mapoon now has access to a comprehensive web accessible email service, the Internet and video conferencing, as well as IT support for Council staff and WAN/LAN networks and computer systems,” he said. “Disparate Council offices have now been connected to the Council administration systems and the Internet. Council also has remote access and off site, secure computer facilities with data backup services.
“Support from the Cairns based CYDN technical help desk provides online support direct to Council staff.
“Previously, only three of Council’s staff had access to email and the Internet. With everyone now having access, computer literacy skills among staff have advanced significantly and we are using CYDN to work towards improved service delivery.”
Further to its commercial charter, CYDN supports the economic, social and employment development of the Cape York region, its people and the environment.
Council has connected to CYDN to access the network of digital links throughout the Cape. From the Cairns hub, broadband access allows for downloading emails and Internet surfing. Mapoon Aboriginal Council took out the Information Technology category for Councils with a ratepayer base under 15,000 at the 2005 National Awards for Local Government.
