The City of Rockingham in Western Australia has developed an online portal that residents can tailor to their specific interests and use to provide direct feedback to the City.
Rock Port was selected as a finalist in the WA Information Technology and Telecommunication Incite Awards in the Most Effective Government Solution category, and as a finalist in the 2017 Institute of Public Administration Australia WA Achievement Awards in the Business News Innovation in the Not For Profit Sector category.
Local Government Minister David Templeman officially launched the user-defined portal in April where he praised the City of Rockingham for its innovation and leadership in creating Rock Port.
“I’m very impressed with what the City has achieved,” Minister Templeman said. “This is a classic example of the brilliant work happening in local government and it’s happening here in WA.”
More than 1700 community members have already signed up to the secure portal which enables residents and ratepayers to connect with the City anywhere, anytime using any PC, tablet or mobile device.
Through Rock Port they can set up their own profile and receive information about topics that interest them, opt in to receive electronic versions of the City’s regular publications, and even check and pay their rates account.
They can also have input into important issues and future projects to help shape the City’s future, and rate how happy they are to be living in the City on a Happiness Index.
Mayor Sammels said Rock Port was result of a desire to increase community engagement in the City of Rockingham.
“Our CEO Andrew Hammond came up with the concept of developing a user-defined portal that would make it easier for residents and ratepayers to connect with the City using any PC, tablet or mobile device,” Mayor Sammels said.
