New portal revolutionises open data

The State Government’s open data revolution has taken another leap forward today, with the launch of a new website including 73 data sets for the public to access and use.

Premier Campbell Newman said there is now data on the website from every department.

“The website includes a range of information from community grants funding, to TransLink network schedules and public transport user customer complaints,” Mr Newman said.

“There are also things like British convict registers, so there is something for everyone.”

Mr Newman said all departments will release a comprehensive Open Data Strategy by April, setting out their plan for the ongoing release of data to deliver on the State Government’s strong commitment to being open and accountable.

“Our open data scheme is about providing a level of access to information across the Government that has never been seen in Queensland before,” Mr Newman said.

“This is data that is owned by Queenslanders and we believe it should be available to everyone.”

The 73 sets of information also include the following: 

• Government Air Wing flights by Ministers and the Governor (Department of Premier and Cabinet)
• Registration and information for all vehicles, trailers and motorcycles registered in Queensland (Department of Transport and Main Roads)
• Selected hospital activity indicators, including for emergency departments and elective surgery information (Queensland Health)
• State-wide planning scheme spatial data (Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning)

Mr Newman said the new portal is more functional and will be continually updated, which will ultimately lead to better solutions for Queenslanders.

“Until now we have been operating a trial site, with around 20 data sets available. With the launch of this new searchable portal we have increased that to 73 with more to come,” he said.

“We fully expect to see this information used in the development of new applications that will create opportunities for businesses and help people across the state.”

The new portal can be found at www.qld.gov.au/data.

[ENDS] 14 December 2012

Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500