21 December 2011

Circular Head General Manager Greg Winton today announced that the Council was developing a business case for funding in round one of the Australian Government's $17.1 million Digital Local Government program.

"The Circular Head Council is in the process of finalising a business case for the program, which will see Council applying for up to $375,000 of federal funding for a range of technologies to help streamline the way we do business," Mr Winton said.

"This would include the development of a video-based development application process, lodging building approval forms, attaching supporting documentation, providing technical advice and obtaining necessary approvals."

Mr Winton said while the business case was not due until 13 January 2012, and still required final sign off by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, he was confident the application would be successful.

"Smithton has been very fortunate to be one of the first communities in not only Tasmania, , but also Australia, to be part of the National Broadband Network and now it is up to organisations such as Council to demonstrate how this technology can be used," Mr Winton said.

"If this project proves to be successful, Council would be in a position to look at other opportunities presented by the NBN including, but not limited to, website enhancements and streamlining other processes."

The announcement comes just over a month prior to the visit by the NBN Co demonstration truck's visit to the municipality. The NBN Co Truck will be visiting Stanley on Friday, 3 February and Smithton on Monday, 6 and Tuesday, 7 February.

The truck and NBN Co staff will be in town to explain and demonstrate what the NBN is, why we need it, how it works, what the benefits are, what to expect in our area and what will be installed in each home and/or business.

Bookings are required and can be made via the website at www.nbnco.com.au/demos.