App’s quick fix

SDRC mayor Peter Blundell demonstrates the app.

By ALENA HIGGINS

REPORTING an issue to council while on the move has never been easier with the launch of the Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) app.
The MY SDRC app allows residents to keep up-to-date with the latest council news, contact councillors with the touch of a button or flag a problem using the ‘Fix It’ feature.
Additional functions include an alerts page, which will provide important information in the event of a disaster, information on job availabilities with council as well as quick access to council’s social media sites.
Mayor Peter Blundell said one of council’s key focuses during this term of office was to better communicate with the community.
“The app will not only provide residents with a one-stop shop access to basic council information, but can also keep people up-to-date on what is happening in our region,” he said.
“I am sure people will appreciate the ease of reporting an issue to council on the spot as well as having quick access to the information the app provides.
”SDRC systems officer Kieren Locke said SDRC was the first council in Queensland to introduce such a sophisticated and comprehensive app.
“There are a few similar apps (used by other councils), but nothing this in-depth,” Mr Locke said.
Once the free app is downloaded, residents can report an issue by clicking on the ‘Fix It’ button and choosing from the list of categories – animal inquiry, website feedback, road inquiry, waste inquiry or others.
They are then prompted to provide a description of the problem, the location of the issue, their mobile phone number and email so council can respond, and are given the option of attaching a corresponding photo.
Mr Locke said once the concern had been submitted, the user would receive an email saying it has been allocated to the relevant department and would again be notified when the issue has been finalised.
When queried, the mayor said he was unsure of the cost to council to implement the app, but was confident it would “pay for itself in no time at all”.
All inquiries are dealt with as quickly as possible and assessed for urgency/safety, a SDRC spokeswoman said.
The app is available for both Android and Apple users and is free from the Play Store and App Store by simply searching for ’My SDRC’ and installing.
Residents without a smart phone can register their concerns by calling 1300 My SDRC (1300 697 372).