Councillor Column Cr Mark Spina

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, particularly in the workplace, is becoming an increasingly used form of technology to improve efficiencies in day-to-day tasks. Whilst AI can be a wonderful addition to assist employers and employees, it should remain just that; it is a tool to assist, not to replace human interaction and oversight.

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council has been one of the first councils to implement the use of AI, recently integrating a chatbot named “Herbie” on our website to help residents and interested website users navigate and find answers to most Council-related questions, such as, “What day of the week is bin collection in Trebonne?”, or more complex questions such as, “What are the building requirements to install a swimming pool?”  

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Soon, Herbie may be integrated into the call centre to assist and direct callers to the correct department or provide answers to Council-related questions.

Users will, and do, have the option to request to speak with staff should they not wish to interact with Herbie, which is a great and practical use of AI in the workplace.

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As this technology evolves, we must remain abreast of its potential overuse or misuse, not only in the workplace but in our everyday lives. I am no technology expert, but truth be known, AI is already being used by most of us, often unknowingly, simply by searching on our phones or the internet. It is the security of the data that AI records, and its potential misuse by those collecting it, that we must remain fully aware of.

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On another note, the upcoming Census to be held in August will hopefully reveal some fresh new data for the Hinchinbrook Shire, including, hopefully, confirmation of an increase in our population numbers.  

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This data, once released, will be most helpful and will assist our Shire in lobbying State and Federal Governments, as well as developers and investors, to attract and invest in our growing Shire.

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Until next time, Hinchinbrook residents, stay safe and be kind.

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