Aussies report potholes via text message

A Sheffield company is enabling residents of the Australian city of Randwick to embrace the technology revolution and get in touch with their local council via text message.

Pot holes, illegally dumped rubbish and other issues can now all be reported to Randwick Council using a new text message service.

Residents can also visit the local authority’s website to sign-up for text message updates.

Bruce Notely-Smith, Mayor of Randwick City, said: “We wanted to provide information to the community that uses the one device we all rely on – our mobile.

“By opting in via our registration page or texting in a keyword to a mobile number, residents can receive up-to-date information on the availability of sporting fields and notifications on clean up days.”

The service is being run by international mobile specialist, Dialogue Communications, which has its headquarters in Sheffield, UK and offices in London and Sydney, Australia.

Hugh Spear, Dialogue CEO, said: “Our mobile applications allow authorities and institutions to quickly and easily communicate with their communities – whether it be residents or commuters.

“The other advantage is that the portal can be set up quickly, so changes can be made by the authorities without a large investment of time or money.”

More than 40 councils and police forces in the UK use Dialogue community texting help them provide a better service to local residents.