Reprogramming Local Government (Generative AI in Action)

Send us Fan MailIn this special episode of the Local Government News Roundup, Chris Eddy explores how generative AI is beginning to transform councils in Victoria. This episode features real-world stories of councils trialling AI chatbots, document search tools, and AI agents, as well as bold discussions about what might come next – from robot building inspectors to AI-supported service delivery.Guests include James Plozza from Warrnambool City Council, Broderick McIntyre from Greater Bendigo Council, Justine Resta from ALGIM Australia, Fergal Coleman and Sarah Jayne Webb from Symphony3, and consultant Lisa Bennetto. Together, they share candid reflections on risk, reward, collaboration, and why the biggest risk might be doing nothing at all. The episode was recorded with the support of Symphony3 - helping local governments deliver simple, connect customer experiences - and the AWS Builders Studio in Melbourne.Symphony3 has made a range of free AI resources available for local government - you can find them here. The Local Government News Roundup is supported this month by the National Growth Areas Alliance “Emerging Growth Areas Forum. Tuesday, 4th August at Hume City Council Town Hall in Broadmeadows, running alongside the NGAA National Congress. Registration is open now to all local governments — head to the NGAA website - ngaa.org.au - to secure your place. Support the showThe Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences; and Rath Engineering Development - smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience.Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found by visiting the Roundup website.Support the Roundup by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.