The Regional Asset Intelligence Group (RAIG)

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods combined with advances in technical devices have already shown potential benefits to local governments and educational institutions (e.g., defect detection, asset monitoring). However, there was no coordination of strategies used or results derived from these investigations. A regional group was the next obvious step to formalising the requirements and standards for AI for public infrastructure management and developing and sharing this knowledge throughout the region. Background The City of Gold Coast (CoGC) had been investigating the use AI to automate their defect collection process for council infrastructure. The knowledge gained from our initial projects, along with the increasing interest in the value of AI for public entities, led to the creation of the Regional Asset Intelligence Group (RAIG). The group has grown from initially 5 member councils to currently 14 member organisations. A charter was ratified at the meeting held in July 2023 which outlines the responsibilities of members and organisations. We are now looking for acknowledgement and endorsement from local government organisations to progress the group further. • There are regulatory drivers around competent physical and financial management of assets. • There is always strong Workplace Health and Safety legislation to ensure worker and public safety. • A mature program would enhance the audit process by automating certain aspects of the valuation process. • Elimination of human intervention on the review of defects (e.g., thousands of hours of CCTV videos) is a significant saving for council. • The eventual automation of infrastructure renewal options from the AI systems could lead to even greater savings through optimised decision-making processes. Opportunities remain to advance AI applications to perceptual analysis and to the broader set of problems and challenges faced by government agencies. Member councils will help contribute to advancing AI applications and standards through information sharing, education, and collaboration across the local government community including industry, academic, and government participation. Membership • Brisbane City Council (BCC) • City of Gold Coast (CoGC) (David Hobson – Co-Chair) • Griffith University (GU) • Ipswich City Council (ICC) • Lockyer Valley Regional Council (LVRC) • Logan City Council (LCC) • Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) (Janna Dominic – Co-Chair) • Noosa Shire Council (NSC) • Redland City Council (RCC) • Scenic Rim Regional Council (SRRC) • Somerset Regional Council (SRC) • Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) • Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) • University of Queensland (UQ) • University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Collaboration Benefits Sharing knowledge and creating standards through regional and cross disciplinary areas is the way to an efficient and prosperous future for all. An immediate benefit to the SEQ regions AI community through knowledge sharing, and an eventual national benefit for all infrastructure managers is envisaged. Economic benefits are realised through process efficiencies and labour distribution. Safer, more effectively managed infrastructure, and Workplace Health & Safety improvements, are some of the clear advantages. Conclusion We believe there is significant risk in not standardising specifications for this emerging tech, hence the importance of the group going forward.