Kingborough Council has approved a $1.35 million investment in a major digital transformation as part of its 2026/27 budget, the council announced. The funding is the first step in a multi-year strategy to modernise how the council operates and interacts with the community.

In a statement from the council, Acting Mayor Christian Street said the investment will focus on practical improvements to services and cyber security. “This is about modernising how Council works, making it easier for the community to deal with us, improving cyber security, and finding efficiencies across the organisation,” Cr Street said.

The overhaul will eventually lead to a single online portal for residents to access services, make payments, and track requests at any time, Kingborough Council stated. The council’s CEO, Dave Stewart, said that while online services will be expanded, “traditional service options will be still available, ensuring no one is left behind.”

According to the council, the strategy also includes a strong focus on strengthening defences against cyber risks and service disruptions. Some less visible upgrades will include improvements to CCTV systems to enhance cooperation with Tasmania Police.

The focus on digital infrastructure comes as the council also seeks to find significant savings. A draft of the budget released earlier in June outlined a proposed 6 per cent general rate increase and around $1.2 million in savings and efficiency measures to address rising costs and a long-term operating deficit.

Measures flagged in the draft budget to achieve these savings included bringing public facility cleaning in-house, reducing planned staff growth, and scaling back some infrastructure inspection activity.

“If we want to remain responsive, accessible and sustainable into the future, we can’t keep doing everything the way we’ve always done it,” Mr Stewart said in the council’s announcement. “That is why this is an important investment, ensuring Council can continue to meet the needs of our community, not just today, but for the next generation.”

The original announcement can be found on the Kingborough Council website.