Successful sharing service crosses state lines
The Local Government Association of Queensland says it has seen nothing but good things from moves to share services between councils.
Shared services company Propel Partnerships says it is rapidly expanding its operations after striking strategic partnership deals with innovative and forward looking councils.
The deals enable Propel - owned by the Local Government Association of Queensland and business services firm Aegis Australia - to partner with Liverpool City Council in NSW and Mackay Regional Council in QLD.
Propel chief executive Steve Crowe said the deals were aimed at boosting productivity and improving customer service.
The agreement with Liverpool City Council will initially focus on delivering a major programme of business transformation across many areas of the council's front and back offices.
“The Liverpool Services Alliance is a 10 year arrangement with an initial value of $80 million,” Mr Crowe said.
“Liverpool is experiencing a huge amount of growth and we’re delighted to be working with an organisation that has a real vision about the way in which it engages with its community.”
He said the Liverpool Services Alliance project would include the creation of a fully integrated customer service centre.
Propel has also announced a 10 year contractual agreement with Mackay Regional Council.
Mr Crowe said the Council wanted to prevent a continuing escalation of staffing costs while at the same time enhance their service delivery outcomes.
The new arrangement between Propel and Mackay Regional Council will be known as Northern Australia Services.
LGAQ chief executive Greg Hallam said the work of Propel Partnerships ensured that councils were able to realise efficiencies in their operations while remaining in touch with the needs of their communities.
“I’m confident that Propel has the right formula to bring success to any local government wanting to have the best customer service,” he said.