• Offers an inexpensive and simple device for publicity, information and public input.
• Provides a good service to the public by preventing people 'do the run around' to access project information.
• Can serve as a link between the citizens and the municipality's government.
• It easy to provide updates on project activities.
• Can describe ways the community can become involved.
• Can offer a report-in point for volunteers who act as extra observers in reporting on events (e.g. pollution, litter, beached whales, etcetera).
• Offers a reasonably low-cost for set up and updates.
• Portrays an image of 'accessibility' for an organisation, department or group.
• Can be an avenue for citizens to feel more involved in their community.
• It also can be a great way to catch illegal polluters or to stop accidental spills that might otherwise go unnoticed, for example, people may feel more comfortable to 'dob in' a polluter when they are speaking to the people responsible for monitoring such activities via the relatively anonymous hotline, whereas they would not do this in person, or if they had to write a letter.