Queensland councils have applauded the creation of a new mobile ‘app store’ designed to sort out and present the best apps that are usually hidden in the traditional Apple and Google app stores.

The store has been set up to provide an array of applications to mayors and councillors to improve productivity, business processes and communication with constituents.

It is a landmark creation by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) called the LG App Store, which it calls a “ground breaking step towards improved digital productivity within the local government sector”.

The LG App Store works as a ‘one-stop-shop’ that allows local government personnel to access a broad range of apps in sub-categories including finance, disaster management, health and safety, field services and regional development.

According to LGAQ, the LG App Store presently has 80 apps in its directory.

To power the LG App Store, the LGAQ enlisted the help of software developer Digital Inc and its CORE technology platform, which is also being used by project partner Telstra and various other Australian and international enterprise users.

The creation of the app store is a significant development for the local government sector that has only relatively recently been faced with the challenge using mobile technology to communicate with their communities and deliver essential services.

However with the myriad of mobile apps available to councils to improve their services and operations, there hasn’t yet been a hub of this kind that offers local governments the most appropriate solutions.

LGAQ chief executive Greg Hallam said that the new LG App Store was a way to assist councils to more effectively sift through over one million apps in the Apple App Store.

“Mobility is a key force in how councils operate and we identified a need to help councils navigate the maze of solutions and providers in this space,” he said.

Mr Hallum said councils are looking at new ways to improve business processes and delivery better customer service to their communities.

According to Mr Hallum, buying an app off-the-shelf rather than starting from scratch has reduced costs and delivered a better service to councils.

Mr Hallum said there are “traps” with every new technology, which is why the LGAQ has worked with Digital Inc and Telstra to reduce the risk for councils by identifying apps that will help councils “obtain best practice”.

“This service will save councils time and money,” he said.

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