In August 2024, the Council proudly completed Phase Two of this ambitious and once in a generation project, marking a major milestone halfway through a journey set to wrap up in 3.5 years. This upgrade is part of the Council's Digital Road Map for 2022-2025, aimed at further transforming into a modern, forward-thinking local government.
The SMART Digital Programme is already showing benefits for Council staff across the region. By enhancing digital tools and processes, the programme is set to improve Council's digital services for everyone in the Western Downs - whether a local resident, a business owner, or an online visitor.
WDRC Chief Executive Officer Jodie Taylor highlights that this project reflects Council's commitment to embracing change and innovation. "The SMART Digital Programme is about making our operations more efficient, data-driven, and connected, all while keeping our community at the heart of what we do," Mrs Taylor said.
This upgrade is not just about new technology. It's also about creating opportunities for Council staff to learn new skills, improving overall efficiency and providing customers with a better experience when interacting with Council. By moving to TechnologyOne's cloud-based system 'OneCouncil', Council is streamlining processes and upgrading legacy and outdated technology systems.
"This initiative is a major achievement for us," Mrs Taylor added. "Successfully managing such a large-scale digital transformation comes with many challenges, but we're on track, on budget, and committed to delivering high-quality services and responsible financial management. This is something that we can be incredibly proud of".
"This success is due to the agile and responsive framework we've developed to govern the programme, our amazing in-house digital team, the support of our Councillors and commitment for change by our staff. It goes to show that in the Western Downs it really is the people that make it."
With Phase One completed in 2023 - introducing a new financial management system - and Phase Two now live with updates including a new HR payroll system, electronic timesheets and digital asset management through the use of tablets and phone integrations out in the field, the Council is excited about the next steps.
Phase Three is set to revolutionise the way community members interact with Council and will deliver a new digital experience which unifies all Council services into one, customer centric online platform, available 24 hours a day, empowering both council staff and the community to connect to the information they need, in a way that is relevant for them and easy to consume.
It also offers centralised payments and history with a broader range of payment options, online application and search lodgement, real-time application and request tracking, online animal registration for registered and non-registered residents and access to our customer service officers.
Information about Phase Three of the SMART Digital Programme, including the expanded online services, will be released in the coming months.
