MARIBYRNONG City Council is forking out $20,000 to have an online presence on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites.
The council passed its social media policy at last month’s council meeting and is carrying out a pilot project to trial the use of social media.
The pilot will test the effectiveness of social media – such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and blogs – to engage and communicate with the Maribyrnong community.
So far the council has 210 followers on Twitter and sent out 288 tweets about media releases, events, job vacancies, and other news that may appeal to readers.
Meanwhile, the council has posted 10 videos on YouTube and has two followers on Facebook.
The council joined forces with the Municipal Association of Victoria to set out the social media policy, which covers moderation guidelines, a code of conduct, legal issues, risk management and reputational issues.
It also spells out councillors’ use of social media.
“The aim of council’s social media trial is to test the effectiveness of using social media to communicate council information to residents who are not reached through traditional media,” corporate services general manager Stephen Wall said.
“The money is being spent on obtaining legal and practical advice through the Municipal Association of Victoria to provide a framework for the social media policy; purchasing equipment such as internet access and cameras; and commissioning a video to inform residents about how council’s budget spending is reinvested in the community.”
