Geraldton area to be involved in launch of CAMS Perth Internet site

4/9/97

Works Minister Mike Board will today have a State-wide audience, including many people in Geraldton, when he launches the Department of Contract and Management Services' (CAMS) Internet site in Perth.

Mr Board's presentation at 1.30 pm will be broadcast via Westlink, the CAMS talkback and teleconferencing television network.

"Usually, many openings and launches are confined to the Perth metropolitan area," he said.

"However, the country offices of organisations such as CAMS play a very important role in the local community. That is why we wanted the CAMS launch to involve regional areas such as Geraldton.

"People from as far as Karratha, Kalgoorlie and Esperance will be involved in today's launch, which really shows just how advances in telecommunications bring people together from all over the State."

CAMS is the Government department responsible for providing other Government agencies with contracting services, advice and management.

The CAMS regional office is situated in Geraldton and deals with building maintenance and minor works contracts for the Mid-West/Gascoyne region.

For example, CAMS organised the tenders and contracts for the Dongara and Kalbarri multi-purpose health centres. Last financial year, almost $3.5 million in building maintenance was injected into the Mid-West/Gascoyne regional economy through the Geraldton CAMS office.

CAMS Mid-West/Gascoyne regional manager Shahpoor Kalantary said the launch of the CAMS Internet site showed how advances in telecommunications could assist regional businesses.

"The CAMS Online Internet site allows country based contractors to download information on tenders and contracts, saving them a trip to their nearest CAMS office," Mr Kalantary said.

"CAMS Online also provides advice on applying for Government work and the extent of building projects planned for the 1997-98 period.

"We are able to distribute more information more quickly and that may assist regional businesses to be more competitive with Perth-based firms."

Mr Kalantary said clients could also access information about the many services which CAMS offered.

"By learning about whole-of-government contracts, agencies can use pre-approved suppliers and gain the benefits of bulk-purchase discounts which in turn saves taxpayers' money," he said.

Westlink provides an interactive video and audio communication with Perth and other country areas. Viewers can ask questions of presenters as they watch the program.

For further information about CAMS Online Internet site, contact Renee Gibson on (08) 9222 5402.

CAMS Online can be found at http://www.cams.wa.gov.au

Media contact: Peter Harris (08) 9222 9211