Landgate shares innovation success

Western Australia has the capacity to become a world leader in innovation according to the State's Chief
Scientist, Lyn Beazley AO. 

Addressing an innovation breakfast for Government and business leaders hosted by Landgate, Professor Lyn Beazley commended the organisation for its successful Innovation Program. 

The Chief Scientist told the audience of more than 100 that the crucial four elements for innovation to succeed are the support of Government, Industry, research bodies and the community. 

Landgate Chief Executive, Mike Bradford, shared the successes of Landgate's Innovation Program since its
creation back in 2008 saying through innovation Landgate is future-proofing the organisation and engaging
staff in the process. 

Mr Bradford said embedding a culture of creativity had led to 50 new projects being funded. These included
the "Earth is Art" series of aerial images capturing extraordinary pictures of our state's beauty. The art work
now adorns many company boardrooms. 

Other successful projects include ForestWatch, which allows clients to track forest health for diseases such as dieback. The general public has also benefited directly with free property information services like Property Hotspots which identifies suburbs with high sales activity. 

New ventures include a sophisticated street view measuring system that allows service providers like councils to gather detailed information on a streetscape from an office desk before assigning work crews and equipment to an outdoors project. 

Mr Bradford said 800 staff had now been trained in innovation. Those who make successful suggestions may be given the opportunity to pursue and test their ideas with grants from the Innovation Program. 

Adding a spark to the event was Master of Ceremonies, all round science guru and television presenter Doctor Karl Kruszelnicki who kept the audience entertained with his own innovative ideas and experiences.

Landgate has developed a simple to use Innovation website for those interested in following Landgate's path to success.

Landgate is Western Australia's primary source of land information and geographic data, providing the accuracy government, business and individuals rely on.