The New South Wales (NSW) government advances its digital transformation efforts by pursuing cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and technology solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s planning system. The government launches two strategic Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to invite innovative AI-driven products and services that will enhance the NSW Planning Portal. This initiative accelerates assessment timeframes and bolsters the delivery of essential housing, jobs, and infrastructure throughout the state.

Paul Scully, the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, highlighted how AI significantly enhances the planning process. “The NSW Planning Portal services millions of people, and it is essential that we utilise the best technological platforms available to us. AI can help planners determine Development Applications (DAs) much faster, facilitating faster assessments for housing across NSW,” stated Minister Scully. “We are bringing the planning system into the 21st century.”

The initial request for proposals focuses on integrating AI-driven tools to enhance the quality of development applications, reduce assessment times, and improve overall system performance as part of the Next Generation NSW Planning Portal Ecosystem initiative. This includes:

• AI-enabled data analytics and spatial insights: Artificial intelligence processes extensive planning data, enabling quicker and more precise decision-making while delivering valuable insights for planners.
• Cybersecurity enhancements: Introducing measures that protect user privacy, guarantee document security, and prevent certificate forgery, thereby enhancing the integrity of the planning process.
• Improved user experience: Boost engagement on the platform for community members and planners to ensure an effective, trustworthy, and clear system.

The second request for proposals seeks to find solutions that enhance the essential features of the NSW Planning Portal. The main goals include:

• Platform upgrades: Upgrade outdated systems to enhance the efficiency of assessment and implementation planning, resulting in a more dependable and scalable portal.
• Data processing and validation: Designing innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency of data migration, processing, and validation, ensuring that planning documents stay secure, precise, and readily available.

The NSW government remains committed, having previously invested $5.6 million in AI through the AI Early Adopter Grant Program, which empowers 16 local councils to test innovative AI solutions. These trials are yielding promising outcomes, as AI tools effectively minimise manual labor for planners. This advancement allows for quicker assessments and frees up time for more valuable tasks.

“The AI Early Adopter Grant Program has already proven that AI solutions can significantly reduce the time planners spend on routine tasks, leading to faster decisions and more streamlined planning processes. This next round of technology enhancements will take us even closer to the future of digital assessment in the planning system,” stated Minister Scully.

The two RFPs demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the digital government landscape and transforming the approach to planning and development decisions in NSW. Recent advancements in technology support the government’s comprehensive strategy to enhance public sector services, optimise data management, and ensure more efficient governance.

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