Councils

Now, more than ever, councils are expected to be transparent in their business and accountable to their communities.

Every metropolitan and large regional council in Australia has seen the importance and value of incorporating professional marketing and communications into their core business.

Smaller councils that have not included marketing and communications as part of their corporate strategy should consider these important factors:

• Amalgamated councils in Queensland have new identities to establish and communities to build.

• Sea and tree-changers moving to small communities are demanding a higher level of service and accountability.

• Promoting tourism, employment, economic development initiatives and lifestyle opportunities can lead to increased local economic prosperity and recovery from drought and other natural disasters.

• Promoting local initiatives and good ideas assists with the retention of talented staff.

• Climate change and the state of the environment are hot topics and people want to know what their council is doing about them.

• The cost of providing services like libraries and swimming pools is escalating so maximum use and participation is paramount.

• A council that promotes itself well and engages its communities attracts government grants and funding opportunities.

• Communities that are well informed and educated in council business generate fewer complaints and misunderstandings, which saves your customer service staff time.

• A council with a recognisable brand, a consistent and professional style and an open and accountable communications strategy inspires confidence in its customers and public/private partnership investors.

• Well established and cordial relations with local and state media makes issues management, should it occur, easier and more effective.

How Your PR Department can work for you:

• Your PR Department enables your staff that do ‘bits and pieces’ of marketing and communications to concentrate on doing the work they are experienced in.

• We’ll be the central operations point in your organisation for marketing and communications activities.

• We can provide valuable assistance for your tourism personnel allowing them to concentrate on customer service and strategic planning.

• We’ll liaise with the local media, tourism associations and business entities in town so we predict and develop ‘good news’ stories and manage issues—good and bad—as they arise.

• We work with you as part of your team. Your PR Department is just that: your department—more than a contractor, more than a consultant—we’re part of your organisation—we just don’t use your carpark everyday!

• We don’t wait for you to call. We are continually looking out for your council and your community just as if we lived in your town. We will constantly monitor the media for local and state government issues and trends that we can translate into good news for your community.

• We’re in touch. Your PR Department is only a phone call or email away at any time and we look forward to visiting you regularly.

• Budgeting made simple. There are no hidden costs or extra expenses. The monthly fee is all inclusive—making it easier for you to budget.