The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy; and Simon Crean, Minister for Regional Development and Local Government are seeking comments from stakeholders on draft program guidelines for the Digital Local Government program.

 

Minister for Broadband Senator Conroy said the draft guidelines provide information on the purpose and objectives of the program.

 

It also dealt with the process for councils to access the initial funding round.

 

The $17.1 million Digital Local Government program encourages the development and delivery of online solutions made possible by the national broadband network (NBN).

 

The potential of NBN-enabled high-speed broadband can be used to improve the quality, availability and speed of local government services.

 

The Digital Local Government program supports the National Digital Economy Strategy’s vision of making Australia one of the world’s leading digital economies by 2020 and the goal that four out of five Australians will choose to engage with the government through the internet or other type of online service.

 

The program will provide funding to local governments representing the first 40 communities to benefit from the National Broadband Network (NBN).

 

“It is important that relevant parties such as local government organisations and the ICT industry have the opportunity to comment on these draft guidelines,” Mr Conroy said.

 

Mr Crean said this would ensure the program delivers services that meet the needs of local governments and their communities.

 

“As the NBN is rolled out, I encourage the ICT industry to work with local councils to help develop improved and innovative council services to homes and businesses,” Mr Crean said.

 

Comments on the draft guidelines can be submitted by 5pm, Friday 9 September 2011 to the Department of Broadband, Communications and the

Digital Economy via email.

 

Local governments can view the draft guidelines or find out more about the Digital Local Government