Innovation in Action: A Council’s Digital Leap

In a world of accelerating change, one council chose to lead with purpose – through innovation, sustainability, and capability. Faced with the dual pressures of climate resilience and digital disruption, a local government recognised the need to evolve. The goal was clear: cultivate innovation, sustainability, and capability across council. Terra Firma partnered with the council to co-create a transformative digital strategy, one that would empower staff, engage the community and build a dynamic ecosystem for future solutions.
The Challenge

The council’s digital landscape was fragmented and reactive. Staff lacked access to modern tools, data was inconsistent, and customer service was constrained by outdated systems. Climate change initiatives were underdeveloped and the workforce needed upskilling to meet emerging demands. The council required a strategic overhaul to become more agile, secure and community focused.

Our Engagement

Terra Firma led a collaborative engagement process, bringing together internal stakeholders, service teams and strategic partners. Terra Firma conducted a comprehensive analysis to provide a Current State Assessment and co-designed a 4-year integrated roadmap that aligned with the council’s strategic plans. Terra Firma’s approach focused on uplifting digital maturity, embedding governance and enabling scalable, secure and customer-centric services.

Key Initiatives

Cultivating Innovation

Delivered a digital innovation roadmap aligned with Smart Cities strategies, including trials in AI, IoT and spatial computing.

Strengthening Sustainability

Enhanced environmental digital programs and implemented geospatial tools to support climate resilience and asset management.

Building Capability

Developed a business-aligned Information Services Operating Model, including training, certifications and a digital services catalogue.

Empowering the Workforce

Introduced hybrid work tools, mobile access, and digital learning platforms to support evolving demands.

Driving Transformative Solutions

Enabled a dynamic start-up ecosystem through strategic partnerships.

The Outcome

The transformation delivered tangible and measurable improvements across the council’s operations through digitally empowering staff, streamlining services and deepening community engagement. This was demonstrated using the

TechnologyOne scheduling module, which effectively managed plant and tree services. Between 2021 and 2024, tree planting increased by approximately 60%. With smarter systems and automated workflows, teams worked more efficiently and collaboratively.
Enhanced cyber resilience and environmental monitoring tools positioned the council to respond confidently to both digital and climate-related challenges. What began as a strategy became a cultural shift, one that embedded innovation, sustainability, and capability at the heart of public service.

Why It Matters

This initiative demonstrates how organisations can navigate tomorrow’s challenges by embracing innovation and sustainability. Terra Firma’s strategic partnership enabled not just a digital uplift, but a cultural shift, empowering the council to deliver secure and inclusive services for its community. The result is a digitally confident workforce, a connected community and a foundation for transformative solutions.

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