Government shares $5m between 14 councils for delivery of NBN-enabled services

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has announced the Federal Government will provide $5 million to help 14 local governments take advantage of the National Broadband Network (NBN) to provide better services to their communities.

The Digital Local Government program is providing funding of up to $375,000 to each local government representing 40 communities among the first to benefit from the NBN.

“The 14 local councils in this round of funding span from Goodna in Queensland to Geraldton in Western Australia and Midway Point in Tasmania. Across Australia, local councils are embracing the NBN because they see the difference it can make to their communities,” Senator Conroy said.

The funding will be used to deliver a range of NBN-enabled services, including high-definition videoconferencing to enable greater access to council staff and improved efficiencies in council operations.

“High-definition videoconferencing over the NBN is a great way to bolster important frontline support delivered by councils, as well as other services that require significant consultation, like building and development applications,” Senator Conroy said.

“The NBN will also mean residents can participate more easily in town hall meetings and council workshops, without needing to travel long distances to be there in person. This is particularly relevant for Australians living in regional areas where the travel required can prohibit such engagement.”

A further funding round for the Digital Local Government Program will be announced later this year. For more details on the Digital Local Government program visit www.dbcde.gov.au/digitallocalgov

Councils funded to date under the Digital Local Government program

• Kiama Municipal Council - Kiama, NSW: Online community engagement
• Moreland City Council - Brunswick, Vic: Online customer support services
• City of Onkaparinga - Willunga, SA: Online building and development application process
• ACT Government - Gungahlin, ACT: Online community engagement
• Armidale Dumaresq Council - Armidale, NSW: Online customer support services
• Blacktown City Council - Blacktown & Riverstone, NSW: Online customer support services
• Circular Head Council - Smithton, Tas: Online building and development application process
• City of Greater Geraldton - Geraldton, WA: Online customer support services
• City of Tea Tree Gully - Modbury, SA: Online customer support services
• Coffs Harbour City Council - Coffs Harbour, NSW: Online building and development application process
• Dorset Council - Scottsdale, Tas: Online building and development application process
• George Town Council - George Town, Tas: Online building and development application process
• Glamorgan Spring Bay Council - Triabunna, Tas: Online building and development application process
• Ipswich City Council - Goodna, Qld: Online community engagement and development application process
• Sorell Council - Midway Point, Tas: Online emergency management system
• Toowoomba Regional Council - Toowoomba, Qld: Online customer support services
• Town of Victoria Park - Victoria Park, WA: Online building and development application process

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