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In 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.

To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no matter their size or location, the VLGA is offering a special Councillor Professional Development (CPD) Intensives series.

Partner with three other councils and save more than 50% off the minimum cost of completing all 13 modules in Year 1.

Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com

Support the show

The 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.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

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Reprogramming Local Government (Generative AI in Action)

Local Government News Roundup