Local governments across Western Australia are under increasing pressure to modernise, stay secure, and deliver reliable digital services — all while working within tight budgets and compliance frameworks. In 2025, the pace of change is accelerating, and the need for robust IT strategies has never been greater.
Here are three key IT challenges we’re seeing councils face — and how your team can proactively tackle them.
1. Cybersecurity Threats Are Evolving Faster Than Defences
Ransomware attacks and data breaches continue to target local governments — not just because of the valuable data they hold, but because they’re often seen as under-protected. In Australia, the threat landscape has intensified in the past 12 months, with attackers exploiting legacy systems and phishing emails to gain entry.
What to do:
- Adopt a Zero Trust security model – assuming breach and verifying every access request.
- Invest in endpoint protection and email filtering tools that are managed and monitored around the clock.
- Partner with a trusted provider like Zetta who understands Microsoft Defender and Purview and can help set up the right controls and governance frameworks that align with WA state mandates.
2. Aging Infrastructure Is Holding Back Digital Services
Many councils still rely on outdated servers, unsupported software, or patchwork systems that make service delivery clunky and maintenance costly. Delayed infrastructure upgrades can impact everything from permitting systems to internal workflows.
What to do:
- Move core workloads to the cloud using platforms like Microsoft Azure, which offer scalability and local data residency.
- Modernise gradually, not all at once – start with backup and disaster recovery or hybrid cloud models that reduce risk while improving performance.
- Engage local expertise – Zetta works with WA councils to assess infrastructure, map a roadmap, and deliver upgrades without disrupting services.
3. Limited In-House IT Resources
Hiring and retaining skilled IT staff is a challenge for many local governments, especially in regional WA. Councils are expected to manage growing digital demands — including cybersecurity, compliance, remote work tools, and citizen-facing platforms — often with a small internal team.
What to do:
- Consider managed IT services to supplement your internal team with external experts.
- Use IT outsourcing strategically – for example, to manage patching, help desk support, or after-hours monitoring.
- Choose a local partner – Zetta, based in Perth, supports local government IT teams across WA with flexible service models that scale with your needs.
Local Support That Understands Local Government
At Zetta, we’ve worked alongside state and local government organisations in WA to secure, support, and transform their IT environments. We’re familiar with the policies, procurement processes, and priorities that councils face — and we’re here to help.
Need help tackling these challenges?
Let’s chat about how Zetta can support your IT team. Contact us here.
