ICT 2030 CONSULTATION
The University of Ballarat has undertaken a broad range of consultation in producing ICT 2030, a fourth generation strategy for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for the Ballarat region. This section provides an overview of the activities undertaken during the period between October and November 2006. It also identifies complementary activities which have occurred in parallel to the Ballarat ICT 2030 consultation.
Ballarat ICT Panel Series "Our Future ICT Needs"
Nearly ninety registrations were received for the 'Our Future ICT Needs' panel series over a four-week period with more than fifty individuals engaged in debate and discussion around the following themes.
Each of the panel sessions was held at the University of Ballarat Technology Park Greenhill Enterprise Centre on Thursday's between 4pm and 6pm during November 2006.
The City of Ballarat promoted the Ballarat ICT Panel Series through radio commercials, media releases and via the Council Updates in the Ballarat Courier on Saturday's during the month of November 2006. While this increased awareness of the events, the most successful method of engaging individuals was via personal invitations.
Ballarat ICT Workshops
A number of workshops were held throughout the consultation period. These included:
- 18 October 2006 University of Ballarat ITMS Experts
- 13 November 2006 City of Ballarat Major Business Units
- 13 November 2006 Local Govt Economic Development Officers and the Regional IT Group
A summary of the workshop outcomes can be accessed by clicking here.
Briefings
A number of briefings were provided during the consultation period. These included:
- 2 November 2006 Blueprint Ballarat Community Committee
- 8 November 2006 Committee for Ballarat
- 21 November 2006 University of Ballarat Technology Park Executive Network
- 23 November 2006 University of Ballarat Technology Park Advisory Committee
- Early 2007 Central Highlands Mayors and CEO's forum
In-depth interviews
In-depth interviews were conducted to gain the view of:
- Local Media Organisations
- Local, State and Federal Representatives
- Local Government Chief Executive Officers
A summary of the interview outcomes can be accessed by clicking here.
Web-based surveys
Local individuals and organisations were able to provide feedback and input via a number of online surveys where were delivered via the the Ballarat ICT website during the consultation period. These included:
Registration
Initial project marketing confirmed that community consultation would form a large part of the Ballarat ICT 2030 strategy. Interested individuals could record their details by completing the ICT 2030 Registration. Those individuals who registered were then invited to participate in later activities, such as the 'Our Future ICT Needs' panel series.
IT2010 Strategy Feedback
A web-based survey was also established to collect IT2010 Strategy Feedback. Media articles and letters to individuals involved in the development and implementation of IT2010 promoted the opportunity to provide feedback on Ballarat's achievements in areas including interactive multimedia, GIS, health sector IT and government and private sector outsourcing.
ICT 2030 Comments
At the project outset interested individuals were able to provide ICT 2030 Comments and suggestions about priority areas for the Ballarat ICT 2030 strategy.
Ballarat ICT - Have your say...
During the week commencing 18 October 2006 the more comprehensive Ballarat ICT - Have your say survey, was launched to gather feedback. The web-based survey followed the same question structure as the one-on-one interviews with questions organised around the three themes: Where are we now? Where do we want to be? How do we get there?
Ballarat ICT Sector Survey
During November 2006 the Ballarat ICT Sector Survey was launched. This survey sought to understand the aspirations and needs of local organisations and to assist in the development of strategies and programs to support existing ICT businesses. Local ICT organisations were initially advised of the survey by letter. An email invitation was then sent to firms during the week commencing 20 November 2006.
Parallel Events
Parallel events supported during the Ballarat ICT 2030 consultation included:
- Women in Information Technology Luncheon hosted by Multimedia Victoria, VicIT and University of Ballarat 6 October 2006 between 12 noon and 2 pm.
- ICT Listening Forum for Small to Medium Enterprises hosted by Ballarat ICT Ltd 26 October 2006 between 6 pm and 8 pm at Oscars Hotel and CafeŠ Bar.
For further information contact:
Helen Thompson
Ballarat ICT 2030 Project Manager
University of Ballarat
Centre for Electronic Commerce and Communications
Suite 8 Greenhill Enterprise Centre
Mt Helen VIC 3350
Phone: 03 5327 9418
Email: h.thompson@ballarat.edu.au
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