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support of the wider sector, rather than just individual
councils. That said, the .id database does address
specifics for each council, and the report was never
envisaged as a standalone report without those tools.
Looking forward
In 2017-2018 we will reach out to more senior
members of our sector, and to academic institutions,
technical specialists, special interest groups and
individual councils to invite contributions to continue
to build a cohesive and detailed picture of the state of
the local government sector. Over time, we are aiming
to build an even richer source of data and analysis,
with external links to the great work that is already
out there – so the end-result each year is meaningful
and useful to local government practitioners.
As the sector changes, and is expected to do less
with more, the need to advocate, convince, and
connect with our communities, other levels of
government, businesses and collaborators increases.
Data can inform decision-making, and is essential
in getting others on board with our initiatives, and
competing for scarce resources.
Data, and growing abilities to gather and harness it
in the 21st Century, is not just for big corporate or
big government. While knowledge itself used to be
power, the data age means analysis, organisation
of the data and storytelling have become the
differentiators. Councils are moving towards a more
sophisticated relationship with data, and also into
complex collaborations with organisations and
institutions which can collect, organise and analyse
it. Photographs, sound and movement sensors,
modelling and online responses all count to the
data-based argument.
Several Australian local governments have either
used external expertise to tap into the latest data
gathering and analysis techniques, and many more
projects are in the design and implementation
process. For instance, 3D modelling has been used
in councils around the country to support planning
decisions in terms of coastal erosion and engaging
the community with new developments. Some
councils are also working with external firms to come
up with effective methods to collect and utilise data
on road noise.
By definition, local government governs local
communities – but geographical borders are
disappearing in many ways. What does this mean
for local governance and local governments? One
thing I believe, is that by sharing our information
and stories, it opens up opportunities for councils
to learn from those they share attributes with – no
matter where they are located. And we do have a lot
in common.
Go to our website to download the State of the
Sector Report
http://www.lgprofessionalsaustralia.org.au/
The State of the Sector Report 2016-2017
The State of the Sector provides national and state overviews, with LGA specific case studies and examples,
and considers wider trends in population, economic activity, housing and cultural diversity, highlighting
what councils may need to do to ameliorate the impacts or take advantage of the opportunities.
The report contains links to .id’s local government area (LGA) specific database on economic and
demographic indicators for every LGA in Australia.
GOVLINK » ISSUE 2 2017