New Council website set to launch

Users will soon be able to take full advantage of Council's new and improved website, which is due to launch across April 29 and 30.

The new site features an improved interface, increased accessibility to online services, and performs like an app when accessed on a mobile device.

Council’s Digital Officer, Luke Dart, said the new site represents a significant upgrade on Council's previous offering.

"We listened to feedback from residents about how difficult it could be to find relevant and up to date information on our website, particularly when accessed from a mobile phone," he said.

"Our previous site also didn't meet international accessibility standards, and our own aims when it comes to disability inclusion.

"So in line our Smart Cities Framework we’ve taken the opportunity to rethink our digital delivery of information and services, and have rebuilt our website on the industry-leading OpenCities platform."

Although development of the new website has gone to plan, Mr Dart said there could be some interruption to online services during the two-day launch period.

"Everything has gone smoothly so far, however there's ten months of work that now has to be activated across a two-day period, so there may be a few bumps along the way," he said.

"It will all be worth the effort once the changeover is completed however, the future potential afforded by using the OpenCities platform is really exciting.

"The technology behind the website is reviewed and updated every quarter, meaning residents will have access to a website that is continually on the leading edge of digital innovation and customer service."

Users will be given plenty of time to adapt to the new website however, with the old website to be retained for two months as a fallback while residents familiarise themselves with the new site.

A beta version of the new site is currently available for viewing here: https://brokenhill.prelive.opencities.com/