A Local-State Government Spatial Data Sharing Partnership

5.3.6 Key Outcomes
Chapter 5 – Results of Partnership Case Studies at State Government Level
The partnership has delivered modest outcomes since it was established, however recent
progress has been positive. The data from the partnership has recently been used to
contribute to the national geocoded address file (G-NAF) and it is anticipated that this
process will act as a motivator for improving the partnership performance. The data is
currently being used internally, but it is expected that it will be used to support a public
web portal. The new information portal called Information Queensland is expected to be
on-line later in 2006.
5.3.7 Case Summary
The case study of the Queensland Property Location Index has identified a number of
important characteristics of this data sharing arrangement. The initial goal and objectives
of the PLI were not clear, and as the project developed, there was no long term strategy for
the maintenance and use of the data. Although the initial agreement was called a data
share agreement, the contracts reflected a data provision arrangement in return for a
nominal fee. Little had changed from past policies on the access and pricing of
information and there was significant discontent within local government ranks because of
the need to still purchase the digital cadastral database.
The development of the new data share agreement following the new pricing and access
policy in 2004, was a defining moment in the partnership arrangement. The new
agreements resulted in a more equitable data sharing strategy and saw the immediate
upswing in support by local governments.
The project management and operation of the total PLI process is shared across two state
government departments and amongst three organisational units. Communication is
therefore problematic within the project group, and potentially confusing to local
government representatives. Performance reporting and measurement has only recently
commenced, but is a positive step in understanding the challenges facing the project.
5.4 The State of Tasmania – The Land Information System
Tasmania
The data sharing partnership under investigation in the State of Tasmania commenced in
1997. Its objective was to improve the quality of the state’s spatial information, reduce
duplication and improve its accessibility across government, business and the community.
The Land Information System Tasmania, or the LIST as it became commonly known, was
a ‘whole of government’ initiative which has translated a vision into a reality.
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