Information Technology

The LGA has initiated a number of IT&T based projects to assist Councils commencing around 1997. The initial projects involved the installation of Internet points of presence (POPs) in several regional areas - some where Council head offices were based - where they were unable to access the internet at the cost of a local call. This was important to a number of later initiatives the LGA has undertaken which depend on all Councils being able to access the internet. Another early project involved the installation of public internet terminals in all country Council libraries.

During 1999 the LGA saw the need to provide greater assistance to Councils and was successful in applying to the LG Research & Development Scheme for funds to engage an IT&T Program Manager for two years. This role has evolved into the Electronic Services Program (ESP) Manager.

In the same year the LGA launched LGA.net, the most comprehensive source of online information relevant to SA Councils in the world.

The LGA is involved in a wide range of projects aimed at helping Councils, metropolitan and country, to accelerate their participation in the online economy. These initiatives are managed under the Electronic Services Program.

We would like to acknowledge funding and support from:

• Councils
• The Local Government Reseach and Development Scheme
• The Local Government Finance Authority of SA
• The Commonwealth's Networking the Nation program
• The National Office of Information Economy
• The Commonwealth Business Entry Point
• The SA Information Economy Policy Office
• The Business Channel (part of the SA Centre for Innovation Business and Manufacturing) and
• Planning SA