SINCE Wellington Shire Council relocated its administration to its Desailly St office one year ago, council has recorded savings of more than $181,000 through sustainable practices and cost efficient communications.
Mayor Darren McCubbin said by developing a paperless office mantra, printing costs had been slashed by 70 per cent, saving ratepayers more than $70,000 since the move.
“This saving has been truly remarkable, by documenting and carrying out work digitally we are more cost efficient, saving ratepayers’ money, and we are significantly more environmentally friendly,” he said.
In line with a reduction in printing, council was also able to reduce its fleet of photocopiers by 33 per cent, resulting in savings of $32,000 per year.
Council also used the move as an opportunity to upgrade technology which in some instances, was more than 20-years old and in constant need of costly repairs.
In the past year council’s Customer Service Centre has fielded about 50,000 calls through its new, internet based phone system. The new system has reduced costs by $79,000.
“The new phone system not only saves ratepayers money through the absence of landline phone bills, but it also allows for video conferencing which the National Relay Service regularly use,” Cr McCubbin said.
“Video conferencing capabilities also mean that in many instances, instead of funding employees’ travel to and from Melbourne, they teleconference.
“In line with the new policy capping rate increases at CPI of 2.5 per cent it is vital to investigate new ways of working in order that we can continue to deliver the range of services required by our community. To that end, the relocation has been a great move.
“It ensures council is able to continue generating long term operational savings by harnessing the new technologies embedded within our administration centre.”
