![Data is at the heart of today’s government services. This is reflected in the federal government’s Data and Digital Government Strategy (the Strategy), which highlights its goal to use data, analytics, and technology to deliver simple, accessible services for people and businesses by 2030. As noted in the strategy, Australians expect personalised, integrated, and easy-to-use services from government entities they engage with. Such personalisation, especially across digital channels, is heavily dependent on data. Delivering such services becomes more effective when the data is more accurate and up-to-date. This is where real-time data comes into play. Why? Real-time data is more accurate because it is always up-to-date. This, in turn, improves the customer experience by enabling services to be more dynamic and interactive. However, because batch processing still accounts for the majority of data processing in government ranks, even the most recent data may become outdated when used to deliver government services. Engage with data in motion Batch processing is when the processing and analysis happen on a set of data that has already been stored for a period of time. This may be days, weeks, or even months, which just doesn't cut it for delivering dynamic and interactive citizen services. In recent years, data streaming has emerged as the technology that allows organizations to tap into their data in real-time in order to improve citizen engagement and experience. Event streaming, another name for data streaming, describes the continuous flow of data as it occurs. This enables true real-time processing and analysis for immediate insights. Streaming data distinguishes itself from batch processing by delivering the most up-to-date information when required. Apache Kafka, one of the most successful open source projects, is used by over 70% of Fortune 500 companies today and is well recognised as the de facto standard for data streaming. The open-source nature of Kafka lowered the entry barrier for working with streaming data, allowing companies to easily build use cases and solutions. However, as with all open-source software, there are limitations. Companies often end up spending more to efficiently manage, scale, secure, and evolve the streaming infrastructure. Why are we still using batch processing if data streaming is the future? Batch processing is still simpler to implement than stream processing, and successfully moving from batch to streaming requires a significant change to a team’s habits and processes, as well as a meaningful upfront investment. That is why Confluent has rearchitected Kafka to create a complete platform that provides a fully managed, cloud-native data streaming solution with the ability to turn data events into outcomes, enable real-time apps, and empower teams and systems to act on data instantly. Personalised for the people Confluent’s ability to utilise data as a continually updating stream of events rather than discrete snapshots means that public sector organisations can leverage data streaming to improve citizen engagement by offering personalised, data-driven services and insights. Confluent’s data streaming platform also enables real-time monitoring and analysis of government services and infrastructure, allowing public sector entities to quickly respond to critical events such as natural disasters or public health emergencies. At a more mundane level, Confluent supports data sharing and collaboration among government agencies, facilitating the seamless exchange of information to serve the public better and optimise resource allocation. And, importantly for government organisations, Confluent’s data streaming capabilities can enhance cyber security by detecting and mitigating threats in real time and safeguarding sensitive government data—a critical element in maintaining our national security. Indeed, 53% of Australian businesses surveyed in a recent Confluent study cited security and compliance awareness as the most applicable use cases for data streaming. It should come as little surprise, then, that industry analyst firm Forrester views Confluent as “an excellent fit for organisations that need to support a high-performance, scalable, multi-cloud data pipeline with extreme resilience.” Streamlining service improvement Data streaming is driving greater efficiency in more than three of four companies across Asia Pacific, according to Confluent research. Meanwhile, 65% of IT leaders polled see significant or emerging product and service benefits from data streaming. With this in mind, the potential for the government to do more with its data is clear, and personalisation is top of mind. Personalising citizen service experiences requires knowing who a customer is at any given moment. This is made possible by accessing data in motion, especially across multiple touchpoints. At the very least, this can help citizens avoid having to provide the same information over and over again as they interact with government agencies. And now, with Confluent assessed under the Australian Information Security Registered Assessors Programme (IRAP), government agencies with an Information Security Manual PROTECTED level requirement can use Confluent Cloud across Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. Australian government agencies will then be able to gather and share data across departments, offices, and agencies securely and at scale. This means even more government agencies will be able to tap data in motion to integrate information across their applications and systems in real time and reinvent employee and citizen experiences for the better.](https://publicspectrum.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Confluent-Advertorial.png)
The City of Melbourne is powering ahead to deliver the benefits of renewable energy for residents and businesses by switching on the first Power Melbourne community battery at Council House.
Power Melbourne’s innovative energy storage solution will accelerate the city’s transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030, helping the Council achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 while improving access to more affordable renewable energy for residents and businesses.
More batteries will be installed at the Boyd Community Hub in July and the Library at the Dock later this year to grow Power Melbourne’s pilot network.
The batteries will initially be linked to a Community Benefit Fund to support local renewable projects. The pilot phase of the project will run for about 18 months and will test Power Melbourne’s local energy storage model in partnership with Origin Energy, gathering insights to inform the expansion of the battery network and future retail offerings.
With a combined capacity of 1.1 MWh, the batteries will charge during the day when there is a higher proportion of renewable energy in the grid. Stored energy will then be released back into the grid when it’s needed most, helping to support the transition to renewable energy.
Power Melbourne will boost the city’s economy by creating new opportunities for research, industry development, education, and training.
Each Power Melbourne battery will be brought to life with bespoke artwork designed by local Melbourne creatives. The first Power Melbourne battery will be adorned with ‘Let’s Get Energised’ by contemporary artist Mysterious Al, a reflection on the city’s urban and natural forms.
Batteries at the Boyd Community Hub and Library at the Dock will feature works by award-winning comic and printmaking artist Michael Fikaris and Amina Briggs, a young Boonwurrung/Erub/Ugar woman and emerging artist.
Power Melbourne is supported through the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Batteries initiative and the Australian Government Community Batteries for Household Solar programme.
“Power Melbourne aims to deliver lower power bills and greener energy for businesses and residents in the City of Melbourne by capturing solar energy, storing it and feeding it back into the community.”
“Approximately 83 per cent of City of Melbourne residents live in apartments, without the means to install their own solar panels. This is the next step in empowering individuals to access clean, renewable and cheaper energy.”
“Power Melbourne will accelerate the city’s transition to renewable energy, while driving new investments and creating jobs.”
“We know access to cleaner, more affordable energy is vital – and we want to make it easier for residents and businesses to access the benefits of renewable energy, no matter where they live.”
“We want to create a more sustainable future for all Melburnians – that’s why we’re working towards powering our city with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2040.”
“Our landmark Power Melbourne project will help to transition city businesses and residents to renewables – improving access to more affordable green energy.”
“We’re empowering local communities to get the most out of their local renewable energy – strengthening their energy reliability and driving down electricity prices.”
“We’re excited to partner with the City of Melbourne to help realise its vision to provide residents and businesses with access to more affordable energy, while supporting the transition to renewable energy.”
“We believe battery storage will play an important role in Australia’s energy transition. Power Melbourne is an innovative program, and we look forward to seeing the impact these three batteries can have as part of this trial.”
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