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The government has announced an AU$140 million investment in Western Australia’s digital infrastructure which signals a significant step towards enhancing the state’s technological capabilities. Spearheaded by the Spatial WA programme, which has received approval through the State Government’s Digital Capability Fund, this initiative is poised to revolutionise land development approvals and streamline the delivery of crucial infrastructure projects across the region.
Developed in collaboration with over 30 State Government agencies, Spatial WA is designed to harness cutting-edge technology to create a spatially accurate 4D virtual representation of Western Australia’s built and natural environment. This digital platform aims to support key government priorities, including infrastructure delivery, planning reforms, and emergency preparedness.
At its core, Spatial WA will integrate spatial and non-spatial data, enabling the generation of analytical insights, predictive modelling, and the streamlining of digital workflows. The platform’s potential to unlock significant savings for the state is evident, as it facilitates the seamless combination of precise location data pertaining to roads, buildings, networks, pipelines, and other infrastructure across various government agencies.
The benefits of Spatial WA are far-reaching. By making critical data readily available, the programme aims to reduce wait times for planning applications, enhance the efficiency of maintenance work, streamline land development processes, accelerate approvals, and foster increased community engagement in infrastructure projects. Its impact is expected to be felt across multiple sectors, contributing to improved decision-making processes and fostering investment confidence, thus supporting efforts to diversify the Western Australian economy.
The AU$140 million funding allocated to Spatial WA over the course of 10 years underscores the government’s commitment to advancing digital capabilities in the state. Leveraging the Digital Capability Fund, this investment is poised to drive targeted efforts in digital transformation across the public sector and beyond.
According to the Lands Minister, the launch of Spatial WA represents a crucial milestone in leveraging technology for the benefit of all Western Australians. Recognising its potential to shape the future growth of the region, the Minister stressed the programme’s ability to enhance decision-making processes, streamline planning, and accelerate access to land, thereby bolstering investment confidence and economic diversification.
The Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister echoed the Land Minister’s sentiments, highlighting the government’s focus on advancing digital transformation to support Western Australians across all sectors. With significant investment and the collaboration of numerous agencies, Spatial WA’s capacity to save time, improve efficiency, streamline processes, and increase community engagement on major infrastructure projects was underscored.
Spatial WA is a testament to the Government’s dedication to fostering innovation and driving digital change across the public sector. Empowering agencies to work seamlessly in a spatially accurate virtual environment, this groundbreaking initiative sets a new standard in digital capabilities and underscores the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future of Western Australia.
Aligned with the government’s commitment to digital innovation and transformation, the Western Australian Government’s Digital Strategy 2021-2025 seeks to propel the state towards a more inclusive, secure, and forward-thinking digital future, building upon the foundation laid by initiatives like DigitalWA.
The Strategy aims to revolutionise how citizens interact with government services by prioritising digital innovation and inclusivity. With a focus on convenient and secure online services, the strategy emphasised the importance of quality data insights and robust cybersecurity measures. It acknowledges the diversity of its population, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of digital proficiency, can access government services through various channels.
Building upon the DigitalWA initiative, the strategy aims to enhance the government’s ability to address future challenges comprehensively. By fostering whole-of-government capabilities and empowering the public sector workforce with advanced technology skills, the strategy seeks to create a seamless digital experience for Western Australians. Ultimately, it envisions a secure, sustainable, and inclusive digital future for the state, positioning Western Australia as a leader in digital transformation on a global scale.
