Getting smarter about data presents a significant opportunity to empower Australians as infrastructure users.
Highly advanced computing, analytics and data processing methods are presenting business with some significant opportunities.
However, these technologies also bring inherent risks, such as the misuse of personal data and compromised privacy. To protect users, there needs to be stronger consumer protections, clearer legislation, and voluntary codes of practice across all industries.
In the energy sector, customers can combine technologies such as smart meters, rooftop solar, batteries and electric and zero emission vehicles with energy efficiency strategies to reduce electricity bills and drive transformation in the sector.
While uptake is increasing, more customers should be encouraged to adopt these technologies to unlock savings. Education is key to empowering customers to realise the opportunities for reducing their electricity bills.
The waste sector is constrained by insufficient, unreliable data. Better access to national data would support investment in domestic waste and resource recovery infrastructure.
Better data on the spatial impact of population changes will help governments with strategic planning that supports future liveability.