General News
9 November, 2023
C’mite council embraces digital economy
CONNECTIVITY, accessibility and inclusion in the digital landscape are among the challenges faced by Corangamite Shire Council as they work on the Great South Coast Regional Digital Strategy. Council moved at last month’s meeting to take note of...
CONNECTIVITY, accessibility and inclusion in the digital landscape are among the challenges faced by Corangamite Shire Council as they work on the Great South Coast Regional Digital Strategy.
Council moved at last month’s meeting to take note of the digital strategy, with the key themes of:
• Enabling Digital Infrastructure;
• A Thriving and Sustainable Digital Economy;
• A Digitally Inclusive and Livable Community; and
• A Smart Digital Government.
The strategy was initiated in 2021 and involves a partnership between Warrnambool City and Moyne Shire councils.
Councillor Nick Cole said the collaborative approach is “the way to go” in the digital economy.
“I think, in this sort of case, it is a much better idea go be united and stand together with a few others,” he said.
“This digital ‘everything’ is much bigger than one small council, so we got to get a bigger sort of structure happening.”
The digital strategy aims to address blackspots and connectivity speeds, enhance local digital opportunities, empower digital skills within the community, and improve environmental and emergency decision-making.
Councillor Geraldine Conheady said the shire, like many other people, had dived into the digital world.
“The strategy talks about dreaming big, and to get value from our digital future,” she said.
“I like that we have got a collaborative approach to this with our neighbouring shires, that we’re working as a region to build our opportunities in the digital and tech space.
“We all know that it’s not going to go away, that it’s hugely important in everything we do.”
Council will look to take advantage of the various opportunities afforded by digital technology.
These opportunities include supporting a technology-skilled workforce, building on existing digital and innovation projects, and attracting new businesses and innovation potential.
Cr Conheady said idea of the digital strategy was to encourage a progressive, thriving and inclusive region.
“I feel, too, that if we get this right I’m sure we’re going to make great strides that will help to make this region a great place of opportunity as well, and that’s one thing that we hold dear to all of our hearts and that we all really believe is something we need to continue to work towards,” she said.
“As we become more entrenched in the use of smart technologies for ag and doing business, and in everyday life, it’s becoming more and more essential to our everyday lives.”