The Palaszczuk Government is encouraging the use of open government data to grow business and industry and create jobs.
Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch (above photo) said free government data could fuel business opportunities and economic growth.
“International Open Data Day celebrates the many benefits of open data and encourages the adoption of open data policies in government, business and communities,” Ms. Enoch said during her address on International Open Data Day on March 4 2017.
“Nationally, the value of this data has been estimated at up to AU$25 billion a year and if we can tap into this potential, it has enormous benefits for the Queensland economy.
“Open data is one of the building blocks to create the knowledge-based jobs of the future and can enable research and innovation, stimulate startups, drive productivity and build on our natural advantages.”
Open data is data that is made available by governments, organisations, researchers and individuals for anyone to access, use and share. The information can be used to drive new business opportunities, encourage partnerships, find solutions, improve decision-making and help communities.
In July 2016, the Queensland Government announced a two-year, AU$400,000 funding agreement with the Open Data Institute Queensland (ODIQ) to maximise the benefits of having open and transparent access to government data.
ODIQ CEO Maree Adshead said the funding agreement creates opportunities for Queenslanders to become better informed and more empowered by embracing open data with an ‘entrepreneurial thinking-cap’.
“Making better use of government data is unlocking Queensland’s full potential, creating value through improved services, a more inclusive and responsive government, and stimulating the digital economy by fostering innovation,” Ms. Adshead said.
North Queensland AgriTech Solutions is a specialist provider of irrigation management and agronomy solutions who use Queensland Government open data to help farmers schedule sugarcane irrigation.
“The increased unpredictability of weather patterns makes it difficult to make sound decisions. Open data is transforming the agricultural sector allowing farmers to keep abreast of issues that affect their business – from pest management, weather predictions, to crop growth and market prices,” Managing Director Steve Attard said.
“Access to open data has significantly improved our ability to represent local weather. Our IrrigWeb application enables farmers to plan their irrigation requirements including when to apply water to crops and how much.”
Open data is a key building block to creating the knowledge-based jobs of the future and supports the AU$405 million whole-of-government Advance Queensland initiative.
To access Queensland Government data or for more information, visit https://data.qld.gov.au/