A digital twin is a virtual replication of the real world and can be used for initial planning purposes for development and infrastructure projects. Image: Screenshot.
The Western Australian State Government has announced it will invest $140 million to improve the state’s digital capabilities to accelerate land development approvals and streamline delivery of key infrastructure projects.
The Spatial WA digital twin platform will maximise the value of data by creating a spatially accurate 4D virtual representation of the built and natural environment. It is designed to support key government priorities around infrastructure delivery, planning reforms and emergency preparedness.
A digital twin is a virtual replication of the real world and can be used for initial planning purposes for development and infrastructure projects. It will provide the ability to combine spatial and non-spatial data to generate analytical insights, run predictive modelling and streamline digital workflows, with the potential to unlock significant savings for the state.
By making precise location data relating to roads, buildings, networks, pipelines and other infrastructure readily available across agencies, Spatial WA will help reduce wait times for planning applications, improve efficiency of maintenance work, streamline land development, accelerate approvals processes and increase community engagement on infrastructure projects.
The $140 million funding will be provided through the State Government’s Digital Capability Fund over 10 years.
More information is available on the Spatial WA program here.
Lands Minister John Carey said the launch of the program marked an important milestone in better utilising technology for the benefit of all Western Australians.
“The Spatial WA program will not only enhance decision-making processes, but it will also streamline planning, accelerate access to land and provide investment confidence – continuing our efforts to diversify the WA economy,” he said.
“This innovative program, led by Landgate, has the potential to shape the future growth of Western Australia.”
Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson said the government was focused on developing ways to advance digital transformation and boost digital capabilities across all sectors of WA.
“We have invested significantly in the Spatial WA program and with the support of more than 30 agencies this innovative and exciting digital platform saves time, improves efficiency, streamlines processes and increases community engagement on major infrastructure projects,” he said.
“Spatial WA empowers agencies to work seamlessly together in a spatially accurate virtual environment, ensuring informed decision-making and setting a new standard in digital capabilities,” he added.
“Supported through the Digital Capability Fund, this program is another fantastic example of the fund’s objective to drive more targeted investment in digital change across the public sector and our state.”
