The Victorian Government has announced a $7 million funding plan across 25 rural councils, to replace ageing IT infrastructure that prevents regional local governments from meeting service standards.
The funding plan is part of the Rural Council Transformation Program’s (RCTP) second round, which aims to promote collaboration and innovation, as well as improve digital infrastructure and access to technology for rural communities.
Victorian Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane, said, “Rural councils play a vital role in supporting their communities. This funding will support rural councils to upgrade their technology systems to better serve their communities.”
The projects include:
- $1 million to Mansfield Shire Council, Benalla Rural City Council, Murrindindi Shire Council and Strathbogie Shire Council for new technology for records management, financial management, customer relationships and property and rating
- $750,000 for Yarriambiack Shire Council, Ararat Rural City Council and Buloke Shire Council to implement new records management, emergency management, building and planning, asset management and data analytics technology
- $750,000 to Golden Plains Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council and Moorabool Shire Council for new asset management technology
- $500,000 to Central Goldfields Shire Council and Pyrenees Shire Council for new financial management, rates and property and customer relationship management technology
Victorian Minister for Government Services, Danny Pearson, said, “We are supporting local councils with the services they need, whether that is better IT services or other technologies so that staff can work efficiently and effectively.”
Rural councils will also be supported by the new Rural Council Information (IT) Platform Strategy developed with support from Digital Victoria.
