The LGAQ’s 2017 Digital Productivity Report is a biennial survey that maps out the changing digital landscape and needs of Queensland communities.
What’s going well
- The report shows that Queensland councils and communities are on a healthy digital trajectory. 84% of councils are undertaking some sort of activity to help foster the digital economy and encourage digital literacy in the community.
- 82% of councils have a system in place to collect and measure performance data; this is up from just 22% in 2013.
Where there’s room for improvement
- Data security continues to be a concerning oversight for many Queensland councils with 72% of councils not aligning with Queensland Government information security standards.
- Skills and infrastructure are the biggest barriers to Queensland communities participating in an increasingly digital economy and workplace. Councils want more investment in skills that will foster digital literacy and simply need more investment in infrastructure at the community level that the NBN isn’t offering.
What are the opportunities?
Revenue:
Councils could potentially be making money by commercialising intellectual property.
Software freedom:
By using cloud software councils have more flexibility with their service offerings.
Skilling up:
Providing training to employees to upskill their digital knowledge can give councils and community the digital edge.
More investment:
The LGAQ can work with councils to advocate for better connectivity in the community.