Online resource gives residents 24/7 access to council*

In October Pitney Bowes Business Insight (PBBI) announced that 30 councils in South Australia have implemented a new website initiative service. This allows South Australian residents to access a central database of services available in their area at www.sacouncilmaps.sa.gov.au

The solution, SA Council Maps, using MapInfo Exponare and MapInfo Envinsa Online Services from Pitney Bowes Business Insight, has been implemented on a central server which 30 councils have access to, including Tea Tree Gully, Port Adelaide Enfield and Playford.

SA Council Maps gives residents up to date information on Local Government services such as waste collection days, nearest libraries, schools, parks and playgrounds, bushfire protection areas and the locations of childcare facilities.

The website brings together information from all 30 councils involved, including five of the six largest in the state, in one easy to access place.

John Gosbell, Spatial and Mobile Computing Administrator at the City of Marion, was project manager during the implementation phase.

“We are excited by the creation of this new online resource that provides the community with a more convenient way to access council information seamlessly across council boundaries 24/7,” John Gosbell said.

SA Council Maps also acts as a cost reduction solution for councils with fewer resources by acting as an online resource where councils can share technological skills and expertise, funding, licensing and infrastructure.

“After years of cooperation between councils, the creation of SA Council Maps is a great demonstration of how local councils have come together to improve community access to council Information,” he said.

The website was developed over two and half years. In 2007, Tonkin Consulting collaborated with 15 councils funded by a grant from the Local Government Research and Development Scheme.

SA Council Maps is now accessed by 2,000 visitors per month across the 30 councils.

The SA Council Maps project was also awarded the Australian Government 2010 Excellence in eGovernence award for the geospatial category as well as the overall award.

“We are excited to see Pitney Bowes Business Insight technology being used within the website,” said Simon Bird, General Manager PBBI. “It demonstrates the adaptability of our solutions, and the ingenuity of Tonkin Consulting’s project team.

“This is the future of service delivery within Local Government.”

For further information visit www.pbinsight.com

*Copy supplied by PBBI