About thirty councils across South Australia have implemented a web product, so residents of the State can access a central database of services available in their area.
The solution dubbed, SA Council Maps, was a combination of MapInfo Exponare and MapInfo Envinsa Online Services from IT vendor, Pitney Bowes Business Insight.
The solution has been implemented on a central server which thirty councils have access to including Tea Tree Gully, Port Adelaide Enfield and Playford.
SA Council Maps gives residents up-to-date information on local government services such as waste collection days, nearest libraries, schools, parks and playgrounds, Bushfire protection areas and the locations of education/childcare facilities.
The website brings together information from all thirty councils involved, including five of the six largest in the state, in one easy to access place.
Previously, local residents had to use slower and more traditional methods of accessing this information – such as direct mail, phone books and street directories.
City of Marion’s Spatial and Mobile Computing Administrator, John Gosbell, said, the online resources provides the community with a more convenient way to access council information seamlessly across Council boundaries 24/7.
SA Council Maps also acts as a cost reduction solution for councils with fewer resources by acting as an online resource where councils can share technological skills and expertise, funding, licensing and infrastructure, he said.
“After years of cooperation between councils, the creation of SA Council Maps is a great demonstration of how local councils have come together to improve community access to Council Information,” Mr Gosbell said.
The website was originally started in 2007 when Tonkin Consulting collaborated with fifteen local councils funded by a grant from the Local Government Research and Development Scheme.
SA Council Maps is now accessed by 2000 visitors per month across 30 councils.
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