Innovative app allows for instant reporting of issues across the region

The Snap Send Solve platform has proven to be extremely popular in the Western Downs region since 2013, with reports leading to faster, more focused responses in the community.

Snap Send Solve is an international app and online service which allows users to send photographs directly to the Western Downs Regional Council to report issues in three simple steps: snap a photo, send a report, solve the problem.

The app uses Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to determine the users’ exact location, in order to accurately assign problems to the relevant authorities.

Potential report topics include noise complaints, litter, abandoned trolleys, damage to roads and water leaks but the three most registered incidents in the Western Downs region are roads, pavements and trees.

Council’s own Spokesperson for Utilities, Councillor Peter Saxelby, is an avid user and advocate for the app.

“It’s a great app to use, as it allows me to take a photo while I’m out and about and instantly report a problem,” he said.

“The Western Downs covers 38,039 square kilometres, and Council staff can’t be across this entire area every day, so Snap Send Solve is a great way for the public to make us aware of these issues so we can solve them, sooner rather than later.

“The region has seen over 140 reports to local organisations so far this year, compared to 200 from last year with over 80 of those directed to Council, which is a great sign that our residents are getting involved in making our community the best it can be.”

This is one of the easiest and most direct methods of contacting Council about issues in the region.

Council received an average of one report every two days for June and July 2019 but are hoping to see an increase in community involvement in the coming months.

“This app is clearly well used by our region already, but we want to get the word out and encourage more residents to use Snap Send Solve so that we can build a better region,” Cr. Saxelby said.

Snap Send Solve has had 176,000 incidents reported so far across Australia and New Zealand, with a further 144,000 expected before the end of 2019.

For more information on Snap Send Solve visit www.snapsendsolve.com

For after-hours and urgent reporting, call 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624).

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Media Contact: Jessica Howard | Communications, Marketing & Design Officer | 07 4679 4135