![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processing still accounts for the majority of data processing in government ranks, even the most recent data may become outdated when used to deliver government services.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)
A prominent designer asserts that the surge in disposable developments must be curtailed, with greater emphasis on the durability of these projects.
The same designer emphasised the importance of thoroughly contemplating the enduring impact of new developments and infrastructure, warning that shortcuts would lead to a cycle of ephemeral development.
Chrisney Formosa, the principal at Plus Architecture, expressed concern last year when a 12-story apartment building in North Melbourne, constructed merely five years ago, received demolition approval. This incident is just one of the average 100,000 buildings that are sanctioned for demolition in Australia annually.
“It demonstrates what can happen when a shortsighted approach to the urban planning of our cities takes hold – the proliferation of low-grade buildings with short lifespans,” she said
“As our population here in Brisbane grows and evolves, so too do the demands on our city.
“An approach which sees the built environment as disposable is concerning. Disrupting the established heritage and context of our cities, it’s also incredibly carbon-intensive, with far-reaching negative implications for our planet.
“While the construction industry continues to navigate the challenges presented by the ongoing turbulence of the broader economy, from rising material costs to labour shortages, cutting corners is not the answer.
“The cycle of disposable development must be stopped.
Formosa stated that the worth of buildings should extend beyond their immediate marketability and utility for their initial owners or residents.
“Instead, their long-term life must be at the forefront of our minds,” she said.
“Developers, architects and councils must work together to ask: How will this development continue to contribute and adapt to the city’s evolving needs for generations to come?
“Now more than ever, architects have an integral role in designing for longevity. Not just designing buildings in isolation, but putting forthright a commitment to placemaking and shaping civic precincts that will serve communities for decades.”
Formosa emphasised that architects should guide the entire project team through a process of consultation, development, and customisation of the brief instead of merely designing a solution that directly addresses the brief.
“Avoiding trends, the final design must be thoroughly considered and truly meet the needs of all stakeholders – developers, councils, sales agents and the local community,” she said.
“Significant consideration at this early stage must be given to the cost implications across all aspects of the project.
“With a rapidly growing population and the 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon — development in the city is rightly ramping up. But as it does, it’s critical that the long-term legacy of the new developments and infrastructure is deeply considered.
“The city will retain these spaces years after the Olympics have passed; they represent Brisbane’s future, and it is critical that as the architects, developers and placemakers of the city we take our role seriously. The decisions we make now will leave an indelible mark on Brisbane for decades.”
Formosa stated that it’s imperative for designers to collaborate with industry and regulatory entities, such as local councils and planning authorities. These bodies, in turn, need to cooperate among themselves to foster the sustainable growth of the built environment and infrastructure.
“Understanding the financial priorities of developers alongside the local government’s remit to deliver enduring liveable communities, architects are uniquely placed to take the whole project team on the journey,” she said.
“If we look to London, the legacy of the Athletes Village is an excellent case study of what can be achieved.
“Housing 17,000 athletes during the 2012 Olympic Games, the development has latterly been transformed into East Village – with over 2800 new homes, and 2000 more planned. Now home to about 6000 people, with extensive parklands, the community is served by a wealth of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.
“As the urban fabric of Brisbane evolves, when designed effectively, it can produce seamless context-driven environments that connect communities, creating a true sense of place and identity for a city.”
Formosa declared that The Cullen is situated at Portside Wharf, which is a segment of the Olympic Games precinct.
“Designed by Plus Architecture, its heritage-inspired design combined with contemporary elements will be home to a hotel, apartments and hospitality spaces,” she said.
“Elsewhere in the city, at Kangaroo Point, two other Plus Architecture projects celebrate their iconic riverside location, with Rotherham Hotel providing stunning state-of-the-art facilities for guests, and River House raising the bar for luxury living.
“Together these developments will create an active, socially connected urban community in areas receiving increasing interest and demand for density.
“They demonstrate that when design and build quality is retained as a priority right from a project’s inception – high quality precincts that will serve our communities for many years are achievable.”
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