Townsville Council hands Optus a $20m contract

Townsville City Council has awarded Optus a five-year, $20 million contract to transform the council’s ICT capabilities.

The contract covers the delivery of telecommunications services and software deployment for staff, improvements in digital security, as well as services that will enable the council to properly embrace mobile and cloud technologies.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the contract also involves the delivery of improved connectivity to critical sites including the council’s water and wastewater treatment facilities to enable more effective remote management.

“We know that ratepayers expect more and better access to council using mobile and web services. This partnership will provide us with the services needed to take full advantage of mobile solutions and cloud systems, while offering better digital services to residents,” she said.

“The implementation of Smart Cities is a key development focus for council. We are confident that Optus and the partners that they will bring to Townsville will allow us to take advantage of world-leading practice and showcase the innovative north.”

Optus last week announced it will be spending $5 million to boost mobile coverage across Townsville over the next two years, as well as $6 million to improve services along the Flinders Highway.