East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a new website designed to make it easier for the community to find information, access services and connect with Council online.
The new website features clearer navigation, a simpler structure, plain English content and improved accessibility, making it easier for people to find the information and services they need.
The new website can be found at the existing address – eastgippsland.vic.gov.au – so there’s no need to update your browser favourites.
Chief Executive Officer Fiona Weigall said the new website had been designed around how Council communicates the large volume of information about the 100-plus services offered to the community.
"We know people visit our website because they need to find something or get something done. They shouldn't have to understand how Council is structured to find the information they need,” Ms Weigall said.
"We've looked at the website from our customers' perspective – how they search for information and the tasks they are trying to complete.
"The new site provides clearer pathways to Council services and information, making it easier for people to interact with Council online."
The new website also provides access to Council IQ, Council's digital dashboard offering greater visibility into Council's data, decisions and performance.
Council IQ is designed to promote transparency in Council operations and decision-making, using data to help create a more informed, engaged and connected East Gippsland community.
The website and Council IQ have been shaped by customer feedback and usage data and was designed and built by Council in-house.
A chatbot is also currently being developed and will be introduced later this year, providing another way for customers to find information and answers through the website.
The launch was part of continually improving Council's online services. Other recent initiatives include:
"We know that changing a familiar website can take some getting used to, and we welcome feedback from our community as people start using the new site,” Ms Weigall said.
"We will continue to monitor how people use the website and make improvements over time to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our community.”
Anyone who needs assistance with the site call Council's Customer Service team on 5153 9500.