Connected Community app to streamline town communications

Australia’s “first” ‘Connected Community’ app has gone live, streamlining communications between Gawler Council, residents and local businesses.

The app — developed as part of the council’s $944,457 Connected Community Project — is designed to support council functions, such as community messaging, consultation and program advertising as well as sending payment reminders, according to Gawler Council.

It can also be used by town locals to pay council rates, check road work notifications or make purchases and appointments with participating businesses.

Senator for South Australia David Fawcett said the Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program — which contributed $250,000 to Gawler’s overarching Connected Community Project — “encourages innovation and supports local councils like the Town of Gawler to use technology-based solutions to improve livability”.

“This app offers Gawler residents improved methods to obtain information and assists council to provide more efficient services,” he added.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said the technology was “easy to use” and would “help local and regional businesses grow, invest and create more jobs”.

“It makes sense that the Town of Gawler would embrace this powerful tool to bring council closer to its residents — the community will be better connected than it has ever been,” Redman said.

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