New apps to allow better access to the NSW Government

David Swan
Friday, 18 February 2011 17:37

Your IT - Mobility

Local software developers will be given the opportunity to turn NSW Government information on public transport, energy use and the environment, into innovative apps for community use.

The new software applications will be created by developers who attend the 'apps4nsw Development Day' this Saturday, 19 February at the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.

NSW Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer Professor Mary O'Kane said bringing together developers, the community and public sector staff helps create better applications using NSW Government data.

'All apps developed on the day will be eligible for prizes worth up to $1,500 for the best entries in the categories of transport, energy and the environment,' Professor O'Kane said.

'Making government data accessible allows innovative local developers to create useful solutions to improve services for our communities.

'This initiative is about encouraging innovation and engaging communities on key state issues.'

NSW Government agencies including Transport NSW, Energy Australia, the RTA and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water have provided data for the event.

'Data to improve public transport use, increase awareness of endangered species and highlight energy consumption to save power have been made available to developers,' Professor O'Kane said.

'One set of data that could improve the way we use public transport is real-time locations for Sydney's Metrobus services including arrival times at bus stops based on data received from on-board Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

'Another data set supplied by Energy Australia demonstrates energy consumption and contains total and average electricity use by local government area.'