What Will Motivate Local Governments to Share Spatial Information?

Local government is a rich source of accurate and detailed spatial information which is utilised not only at the local level but increasingly at other levels of government. To build the spatial data infrastructure (SDI) at a state and national level, the role of local governments and their motivation to participate in the sharing of spatial information must be better understood. Although institutional problems still present some of the greatest challenges in building multi-jurisdictional SDIs, the technical and physical capacity of the smaller jurisdictions can impact on their ability to participate with larger and usually better resourced jurisdictions. In recent years partnerships have emerged as a useful mechanism for establishing a framework and environment conducive to data sharing. However, unless the partnership arrangements are carefully designed and managed to meet the business objectives of each partner, then it is unlikely that they will be sustainable in the longer term. This paper outlines research being conducted on the factors that contribute to the success of local-state government partnerships initiatives in Australia. The research methodology, which consists of mixed method approach utilising case studies and a qualitative survey of local government experiences in partnerships arrangements will be discussed. The case studies based in Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania focus on the arrangements to share property related information and reflect a variety of collaborative approaches. Some initial findings of the research will be presented and their possible implication to future partnership initiatives will be discussed. BIOGRAPHY OF PRESENTER Kevin McDougall is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and is currently undertaking his PhD in the Department of Geomatics at the University of Melbourne. He holds a BSurv (Hons) and Master of Surveying and Mapping Science from the University of Queensland, Australia. From 1995-2002 he was the Head of Department of Surveying and Land Information at USQ and has also served on a number of industry bodies including the Board of Surveyors. Kevin is currently the President of recently formed Australasian Spatial Information Education and Research Association (ASIERA) and has published widely in the areas of surveying, geographic information systems and curriculum development. He has undertaken project consultancies in Australia and overseas including a number of projects within local government focusing on GIS need analysis, GIS benchmarking and system implementation. Kevin’s PhD topic is “Developing a Business Model for Sustaining Local-State Government SDI Partnerships.”