AI tools are revolutionising local government operations across Australia, delivering remarkable improvements in efficiency and service delivery.

Administrative Automation

Document Management Systems

The City of Sydney has pioneered AI-driven document processing, particularly in planning applications and Complying Development Certificates (CDC), dramatically reducing processing times and improving accuracy[1].

Virtual Assistants

AI-powered chatbots are transforming citizen engagement, with many Australian councils implementing 24/7 assistance platforms for routine enquiries about council services, payments, and applications[4].

Planning and Development

Smart Assessment Tools

The NSW Government has invested $5.6 million in AI technologies to accelerate development assessment timeframes. Sixteen councils are currently trialling these systems to improve application quality and processing efficiency[10].

Data Analytics

Predictive Maintenance

Australian localities managing over 650,000 kilometres of roads are utilising AI systems for real-time diagnostics and early detection of pavement wear[4].

Infrastructure Management

Road Network Optimisation

AI systems are being deployed across Australian councils to:

- Monitor traffic patterns

- Identify maintenance requirements

- Schedule roadworks efficiently

- Provide real-time diagnostics for infrastructure[4]

Public Engagement

Sentiment Analysis and Communication

Advanced AI tools analyse public sentiment across multiple channels, helping councils understand community priorities. The systems process feedback in real-time, enabling more responsive governance[3].

Budget Management

Financial Operations

AI-enabled platforms assist councils with:

- Budget variance analysis

- Automated RFP creation

- Processing of information requests

- Invoice management and processing[3]

Implementation Framework

Data Virtualisation

Rather than creating new repositories, councils are adopting data virtualisation approaches, allowing teams to access necessary data while maintaining cost-effectiveness[6].

Compliance and Ethics

Implementation must align with Australia's AI ethics framework, which outlines eight principles for responsible AI deployment[2].

Future Development

The NSW Government's AI Solutions Panel, established in April 2024, provides councils with access to pre-approved AI solutions that meet essential criteria and comply with government policies[9].

For successful implementation, councils must adopt a whole-of-council perspective, ensure proper staff training, and maintain robust data management practices. When properly deployed, these AI tools significantly enhance service delivery while reducing operational costs and administrative burdens[6].

Sources:

[1] https://www.dlapiper.com/en-au/insights/publications/2024/01/how-ai-can-be-used-in-local-government-in-2024

[2] https://www.civica.com/en-au/insights/how-data-and-ai-stand-as-cornerstone-of-progress-in-australias-local-government-sector/

[3] https://www.oracle.com/au/artificial-intelligence/ai-local-government/

[4] https://www.oracle.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-local-government/

[5] https://www.govtechreview.com.au/content/gov-cloud/article/transforming-government-workflows-with-ai-1063637897

[6] https://www.governmentnews.com.au/how-councils-can-make-the-most-of-ai/

[7] https://www.lgitsa.com.au/initiatives/aiguidelines/

[8] https://datacom.com/au/en/discover/articles/blog-how-can-councils-adopt-artificial-intelligence

[9] https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/assess-and-regulate/development-assessment/artificial-intelligence-in-nsw-planning

[10] https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/artificial-intelligence-trial-to-speed-up-local-planning-systems/