Local Government Joins The Social Networking World
May 23rd, 2011 | by Jen |Pittwater Council has launched a Facebook page that has more than 220 ”likes” and also has a Twitter feed updated daily with about 1500 followers, plus a regular blog by the general manager, Mark Ferguson.
”Our social media tools are aimed at extending council’s ability to communicate with residents, especially those aged under 40 years,” Mr Ferguson said.
While traditional methods of consultation such as questionnaires and public meetings are effective in reaching older, politically engaged residents, they only reach a limited number of people, the council said.
Pittwater’s Facebook page ”I Love Pittwater” has a different approach. Chatty messages might say ”Check out this link for fun activities for kids these school holidays!” or ”Want to know what DAs [development applications] are happening in your suburb?”
Parramatta City Council is another that has adopted Facebook and Twitter.
Parramatta has redesigned its website for better navigation under the simple headings Home, Live, Work, Play, Build and Your Council. It has also redesigned its intranet site, ”Insite”.
Off-site, staff can navigate and download information using their BlackBerry or smartphone.