MEDIA RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Monday, 18 August 2008

Councils need to enter the 21st century

Loughnan’s Hill Ward Councillor Alex Makin, an avid web blogger, has called on Councillors and prospective candidates to embrace new technology and develop an Internet web site and blog to strengthen interaction with the community.

“Local government is supposed to be the closest form of government to the people and yet councils have generally been slow to embrace new technology”, Cr. Makin said. “Interactive websites and blogs help bridge the gap between council and the community and should be seen as an essential communication tool.”

Cr. Alex Makin has operated a website complete with a regularly updated blog at www.alexmakin.com.au, since 2005. Alex uses the blog to publish details of community events he has attended as well as information on council activities.

“A blog provides an additional avenue for people to leave comments and interact with councillors. Blogging is particularly popular with younger people and people with disabilities, who sometimes shy away from traditional methods of consultation”, Cr. Makin said. “Blogs differ from websites, since they are interactive and encourage people to provide their opinions and make contact.”

“I am calling on council candidates and current councillors to commit to creating and regularly updating a website and blog. Just as email is an essential technology for a councillor, blogging will be also become critical to communicating with the community”, Cr. Makin concluded.

About Alex Makin:
Alex Makin was elected in November 2005 as the Councillor for Loughnan’s Hill ward in the City of Maroondah. Alex, currently the youngest councillor elected within the history of the City of Maroondah, has maintained a regularly updated website and blog at www.alexmakin.com.au.

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: CR. ALEX MAKIN ON 0408 311 645
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