Home » Electronic forms: are you 100% online?*

Electronic forms: are you 100% online?*

Many councils in Australia enthusiastically started migrating their paper-based processes to the online environment and created a few electronic forms. However, progress has stalled and the councils were unable to extract further value from their digital transformation move. Why?

According to Delloite University Press report, cost and budget pressures are the most prominent drivers of digital transformation. But before a council can start saving money it needs to invest. With competing priorities on their hands, not all councils are able to allocate the necessary information and communication technology (ICT) budget at once and the lack of common guidelines in terms of effort and costs doesn’t help.

We have created a simple online calculator which allows you to estimate the Payback Period of ICT expenditure based on the complexity of existing business processes and associated costs – localgov.fifthocean.com.au/payback-calculator.

This calculator uses real figures based on our implementation experiences on all levels of government and businesses.

Creating an online electronic form is not as simple a task as it might seem. To deliver high-quality user experience, as expected by the new, technology-savvy citizen, a council has to gather a dynamic team that has knowledge in graphic design and online styles, responsiveness (access on any web-enabled device), usability, accessibility (web content accessibility guidelines or WCAG compliance), smartforms and integration technology, front and back-end application processing, security, availability and maintainability.

Fifth Ocean Technologies has been at the forefront of the electronic forms development for the last decade. We have some of the best people in the field. Transitioning government agencies from paper-based processes into full online transactional environment is our core expertise. Most recent projects completed were for federal and state government regulatory agencies. Low implementation costs and 100 per cent on time deliveries is what sets us apart.

Fifth Ocean Technologies’ unique platform is designed to execute intelligent, user-centric, dynamic online forms. It allows to build modern, powerful and highly customisable online solutions, both customer-facing and for internal use. Utilising our technology results in significant cost and effort savings, sometimes up to 10 times when compared to traditional software development.

We have created a Local Government Applications portal that provides secure role-based online facilities for residents and council officers and demonstrates how your council can move from paper-based (or poorly designed digital) application processes to a 100 per cent online environment.

To learn more about how Fifth Ocean Technologies can help your council to increase service-level standards, improve interactions with citizens, and raise efficiency and transparency of your application process, visit fifthocean.com.au.

*Copy supplied by Fifth Ocean Technologies

Digital Editions


  • A golden celebration

    A golden celebration

    Cockburn Libraries will mark a major milestone in 2026 – 50 years of serving, supporting and connecting the community. Spearwood Library opened its doors on…

More News

  • Temora address housing shortage in tiny hamlet

    Temora address housing shortage in tiny hamlet

    Proposed Ariah Park Village Subdivision to Address Housing Shortage – Lots from $90-000 to $110,000 in the small picturesque hamlet. Temora Shire Council is investigating the delivery of a proposed…

  • Douglas Shire seeks renewal

    Douglas Shire seeks renewal

    Creative store opens in Mossman through empty spaces program. A new store and community art space has opened in Mossman thanks to a program designed to breathe new life into…

  • New youth and community centre for McLeay

    New youth and community centre for McLeay

    A new Youth and Community Centre planned for Macleay Island will service the needs of the growing community and will also be designed so it can support community recovery following…

  • Grants close soon

    Grants close soon

    Queensland councils have until 31 March to apply for Round two of the State Government’s Secure Communities Partnership Program, which offers up to $400,000 per project for CCTV, lighting and…

  • Sod turned on major upgrade at Paul Fitzsimons Oval

    Sod turned on major upgrade at Paul Fitzsimons Oval

    Work has officially begun on the redevelopment of Paul Fitzsimons Oval with Alice Springs Town Council and the Australian Government turning the first sod this morning. Mayor Asta Hill and…

  • Lockyer send flood expert north

    Lockyer send flood expert north

    Lockyer Valley Regional Council has answered the call for assistance from a community impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, with a staff member from Council’s Disaster Management Unit deployed to support…

  • From books to bots

    From books to bots

    Tenterfield Library is proving that technology is more than just tools and devices. From coding and robotics to tech support, the Library has become a place where curiosity, connection and…

  • Major repairs for levee

    Major repairs for levee

    Goondiwindi Regional Council has endorsed its largest-ever capital works project to repair and reinforce critical sections of the Goondiwindi levee, following significant erosion after recent floods. At this week’s Ordinary…

  • Stretching for a good cause

    Stretching for a good cause

    Ballarat residents stretched, smiled and snuggled their way through a unique Kitten Yoga event that combined relaxation with a heartwarming cause – helping kittens find their forever homes. Hosted by…

  • Murray Library upgrade open

    Murray Library upgrade open

    The Murray Library refurbishment is now complete, and the revitalised space is officially open to the community. The upgrade delivers a brighter, more accessible and flexible library that reflects the…