Council connects community with information and services with new website

Visitors to Western Downs Regional Council’s website will soon notice a faster, easier and more user-friendly online experience, with a new website launching on Thursday 27 October.

A modern and accessible website has become the expectation for online users and transforming our digital customer experience and Council’s website into a responsive tool the community needs was Council’s goal for this project.

Councillor Megan James, Council spokesperson for Strategic Communications said Council’s new look website was designed with users and visitors in mind, by focussing on what users wanted to find and do online and making that as simple and efficient as possible.

“This new website is an exciting chance to keep pace with the features and functions that new technology offer such as improved accessibility, viewability and security, and connecting residents with the information and services they need,” Cr James said.

“While planning this project, Council undertook a community engagement activity to discover what the community wanted to do and find on Council’s website and navigation testing to ensure that menus are simple and user centred.

“Council is committed to delivering meaningful communications and digital connectivity to support and advance our region, and this new website is a key mechanism to enable this, which I look forward to introducing to the community.”

Mayor Paul McVeigh, Council spokesperson for Communications and Marketing, Disaster Management and Economic Development, said that this new website would not only facilitate our local communities’ day to day needs but will also support other important communications needs such as disaster messaging.

“As communication technology evolves, it is important that we evolve with it, particularly being a region as broad and diverse as ours. This new website demonstrates WDRC’s commitment to ensuring our local communities are informed and given every opportunity to connect with Council, no matter where they are or what device they are using,” Cr McVeigh said.

“After the recent flood events across our region, it was important this new platform also provided clear, easy to find information and resources which would not only help prepare our residents, but also assist them during weather events and emergencies.

“With added functionality and its fresh new design, Council’s new website will provide faster and easier access to information about Council and its services.”

Cara Hawkey, Dalby Chamber of Commerce Operations Manager said the new platform will be a great asset for local businesses and the broader community wanting to connect with Council.

“As our community becomes busier and more interconnected, investing in effective channels of communication and making information and services accessible is more important than ever,” Ms Hawkey said.

“Enhancing business training resources and making information and services easier to access online will be a great outcome for our business community.”

There may be small interruptions to website access on Thursday 27 October as Council transitions to the new platform, but the contact centre will be on hand to assist any enquiries by phoning 1300 COUNCIL.

 Check out Council’s new responsive website on your computer, smartphone or tablet by visiting www.wdrc.qld.gov.au.

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Fast Facts:

Council’s website received more than 680,000 views in the last 12 months Council’s website received more than 210k users in the past year 5% of users access Council’s website via mobile or tablet, only 36.5% use a desktop Council’s most visited webpages include Road Closures, Current Vacancies, Contact Council, eServices, Western Downs Planning Scheme, Public Notices, Waste Facilities, Fees and Charges.

Key improvements and benefits to the site:

More accessible | Easier to navigate | Better searching | More secure | Modern and responsive desig

Improved accessibility functionality will allow users with diverse language or disability requirements to access information on Council’s website An advanced search function will make finding the right information quick and easy, improving user experience User behaviour driven menus prioritise the most viewed/visited content for easier and quicker access A streamlined content review system will ensure that content is regularly reviewed and kept up to date Attractive and mobile-device-friendly design will boost user engagement Improved security, reduced third party elements, single service and support provider

Media Contact:

Western Downs Regional Council Media Office                                                07 4679 4265