Case studies

Providing NSW with real-time housing data for better planning, faster decision-making, and improved public services

The NSW Digital Housing Pipeline will create a centralised and comprehensive 3D dataset that spatially maps and tracks the progression of housing across NSW, from planning approval through to construction and occupation.

An open data exchange for all​

The State Vegetation Type Map (SVTM) shows where different plant communities are found across NSW. It’s a useful tool for government, businesses, and communities to understand native vegetation and make better decisions about land use and conservation. The map is powered by BioNet, which provides integrated data services that support open data sharing and innovation.

Supporting more than one million NSW customers who rely on the NSW Photo Card, including the elderly, customers with a disability and new migrants

Launched in April 2025, the NSW Digital Photo Card pilot provides citizens with an upgraded digital photo card, giving them a more secure way to prove their identity. The upgraded card allows customers to digitally share information needed for transactions without having to hand over their phone or reach for their wallet. The pilot is also helping make digital verification more inclusive, especially for customers without a driver licence. 

Helping essential workers save time through online renewals of their Working with Children Check

The Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a requirement for anyone who works or volunteers in child-related work in NSW, including social workers, teachers, health and childcare workers. A new digital solution allows these workers to renew their WWCC online in as little as 10 minutes, without needing to present identity documents in person at a Service NSW centre.

Harnessing environmental assessment data for reuse​

BioNet harnesses biodiversity data to improve the state of knowledge, which optimises environmental decision-making in line with the government’s wider nature strategy. From individual plant sightings to detailed scientific surveys, it offers a wealth of knowledge about ecology and threatened species in NSW. Its objective is to harness environmental assessment data for reuse and develop data standards to facilitate the exchange of plant and animal survey and observation data through application programming interfaces (APIs).

This platform brings together the Environment Protection Authority (EPA)'s main regulatory tools into one platform.

It includes a customer portal, an officer portal, tools for inspections in the field, and public registers. The goal is to improve customer service, speed up processing, and support better decision-making by making data easier to access and use.

Actionable strategies to enhance security and reduce costs by reducing legacy technology in NSW

Digital NSW have completed a State of NSW Legacy Report, which will help address the challenge of ensuring agencies have the right technology to meet their objectives through actionable strategies to enhance security, reduce costs and guide investments to reduce legacy technology.

Technology Roadmap 2025-2029

Water agencies (Water NSW, NRAR and DCCEEW) have developed a joint Technology Roadmap. The Roadmap brings together four (4) business improvement strategies that will benefit customers and deliver efficiencies: Water Market System, Water Shared Data Management and Governance, Water Compliance System and Customer Metering Solution.

Multi-award winning project: Creating cooler parks and gardens for our communities to enjoy, using smart water irrigation systems at Bicentennial Park

SIMPaCT uses machine learning and smart technology to cool the microclimate, using data sourced from a mix of environmental sensors. A network of sensors has been set up to record soil moisture and air temperature. The information will be used to fine-tune irrigation at the park using artificial intelligence (AI). Insights will be shared online so that park users will be able to find the coolest and shadiest places in the park for picnics, play and exercise.

Improving access, trust and efficiency through secure digital identity verification​

The NSW Digital ID provides individuals with a secure, opt-in digital identity that will enable them to prove their identity online or in-person using biometric facial verification. This will replace the need to use physical identity documents such as birth certificates, photo cards or driver licences.

Public transport users in NSW will soon benefit from the Opal Next Gen upgrade, enhancing the Opal ticketing system with new technologies for improved journey planning, payment and information access. This upgrade will align with emerging technologies and customer needs.

Provision of data and insights for public use

This data is integrated in apps used by millions of passengers each day and informs state strategies and plans. Data is also available through visualisations published on the Transport website, recognising the need for simplified and accessible insights beyond the developer community.

An all-of-government digital application to calculate GHG emissions and model net zero pathways to 2050

The carbonZero Accelerator aims to develop an open source, cloud-based, scalable platform for government agencies. For the NSW Government to lead by example in transitioning its agencies and their geographically distributed assets and places to a Net Zero economy, an enabling data platform with suitable and accessible data and information is required to support target setting to achieve net zero, inform intervention opportunities to achieve net zero target, unlock funding and finance mechanism and monitor and report progress in a transparent way.
 

The Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) is a transformational health program that will provide an integrated view of a patient’s care within the NSW Health system. It will give clinicians easy and timely access to a holistic record of an individual’s medical information, providing real-time access to medical records and empowering clinical teams to make informed decisions promptly, streamlining processes and reducing administrative burdens on our staff.

Reducing duplication of information across government on a stable platform

nsw.gov.au is the source of truth for government information, services and community feedback. A single website across NSW Government means customers can find information easily and accessibly, without having to navigate the structures of government. The website supports translation in 77 languages and has an Easy Read hub, resulting in broader inclusion for the people of NSW.