Local Council web sites are a great place to find out basic information on your local area. Nowadays, many Councils provide substantial information about their services and the community they serve, via their Internet sites. Check out Bundaberg City and Burnett Shire. Don't forget that the Library's web site can also provide important information for permanent residents and visitors alike. Find out about the services the Library provides, and also browse the helpful booklists, web guides, and fact sheets.

Remaining on the subject of community, Community Directories for local government areas from Miriam Vale south to Gympie and west to Kolan and Woocoo have been developed and are available from the web site of the Wide Bay Human Services Network. You can find out what community groups are present in your area and how to contact them. The Directories include information about sporting, emergency, youth, women's, indigenous and multicultural, health, housing, government, and many more groups, clubs and organisations.

The economic development of the region has been given a boost recently with the launch of a new web site by Bundaberg City Council's Planning and Development section at: www.bundaberg.org. This site details the infrastructure and opportunities available in the local area in business and tourism, as well as the lifestyle we enjoy, in order to attract and strengthen growth in our economy.

Tourism in the Bundaberg region is represented on the Internet. Information can be found on many sites including the Bundaberg Regional Tourism Organisation, and Tourism Queensland. Learn more about the attractions in your own backyard or inform visiting friends and family of the numerous things to do and see while they are in town.

Education in Bundaberg also has a presence on the Internet. Information on primary and secondary government schools can be found at www.education.qld.gov.au, information on the local TAFE College can be found at www.widebay.tafe.net, and information on the University at www.cqu.edu.au.

Finally, local news, always of great interest to many, can be found at www.news-mail.com.au and at www.abc.net.au/news/australia/qld/widebay/.

Finding information on the Internet relevant at the local level can be very difficult. However, it is encouraging to note the increase in sites pertaining to Bundaberg. It is very convenient to be able to research the different facilities, companies, events and attractions in your town, prior to patronising or attending them.