Council welcomes Optus as transformation partner

Council’s communication and technology capabilities will be boosted through a new partnership with Optus.

A meeting of full council today approved the five-year deal that will enable improvements to the way council does business as well as significant digital service improvements for the community.

The tender announcement includes a component awarded to Copiers Excellence, local agent for Fuji Xerox, for management of the organisation’s printers.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the partnership with Optus was an important step in ensuring council was at the forefront of the push to use technology to streamline internal processes as well as provide a more efficient, cost-effective service to the community.

“The scope of the contract includes basics such as telecommunication services and software deployment for our staff but it also includes things like improved connectivity to sites including our water and wastewater treatment facilities so that these can be better managed remotely,” Cr Hill said.

“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 and provide better digital services to residents.”

Council will also see improvements in digital security and improved reliability to access the internet.

“Through this partnership we look forward to having Optus grow its footprint in the local community and provide new and exciting opportunities for local business,” Cr Hill 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.”

Townsville City Council CEO Adele Young said the partnership would allow council to improve internal efficiencies and effectiveness through cheaper and easier communication systems.

“Our decision to partner with Optus aligns with the direction set out through the Nous Report to simplify operations and provide a higher performing and more productive service for our community,” Ms Young said.

Optus Business Managing Director John Paitaridis said:
“Optus is highly committed to creating a step change for Townsville City Council, through significant infrastructure investment and supporting Council operations with greater real time flexibility, mobility and resilience enabled through Optus' next generation of mobile, cloud, security and managed services.”

“Smart Cities are the cities of the future. As a key element of the new multi-year partnership, Optus looks forward to working strategically with Townsville City Council to design and integrate connectivity, data and analytics, sensor networks and smart phone applications to transform Townsville.”