GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA (GA)

AI‑ENABLED, NATIONAL‑GEOINTELLIGENCE, REDUCED‑BUDGET MODEL

Australians Unified – Geoscience, Natural Hazards, Earth Observation & National Mapping Portfolio Stewardship • Resilience • Science • Sovereignty

 

OUR ROLE

Geoscience Australia:

  • Provides national geoscience data, mapping, and earth‑observation services

  • Supports natural‑hazard monitoring (earthquakes, tsunamis, bushfires, floods)

  • Strengthens resource discovery, groundwater management, and environmental stewardship

  • Delivers geospatial intelligence for Defence, Emergency Management, and Industry

  • Supports national infrastructure, land planning, and satellite positioning

  • Ensures sovereign capability in earth science, mapping, and hazard resilience

This model transforms GA into a lean, AI‑powered, future‑ready geoscience agency that strengthens national resilience, resource security, and environmental stewardship.

OUR STRENGTHS

Geoscience & National Capability Strengths

  • World‑class geoscience expertise

  • National mapping and earth‑observation authority

  • Trusted hazard‑monitoring systems

  • Strong partnerships with Defence, NEMA, Industry, and Environment

  • Global reputation for scientific excellence

AI‑Enhanced Strengths (New Model)

  • Predictive hazard‑risk modelling

  • Automated geospatial analytics

  • Real‑time earth‑observation dashboards

  • AI‑enabled resource and groundwater modelling

  • Reduced manual workload

OUR WEAKNESSES (PRE‑AI)

  • Slow data‑processing cycles that hinder prompt decision-making

  • Fragmented geospatial systems leading to inefficiencies and confusion

  • Limited real‑time hazard integration which restricts our awareness and responsiveness

  • High administrative overhead that diverts resources and focus from core activities

  • Outdated mapping and legacy platforms that can obstruct innovation and advancement

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OUR THREATS

External Threats

  • Increasing natural‑hazard frequency and severity

  • Global competition for geospatial capability

  • Climate‑driven environmental pressures

  • Resource‑sector uncertainty

Internal Threats

  • Legacy systems

  • Workforce shortages in geospatial science

  • Inconsistent cross‑agency data sharing

  • Limited real‑time visibility

 

OUR OPPORTUNITIES (AI‑ENABLED)

  • Automate hazard forecasting and geospatial modelling

  • Deploy AI‑enabled resource and groundwater analytics

  • Reduce administrative overhead

  • Improve transparency and reporting

  • Strengthen sovereign geospatial capability

  • Reinvest savings into hazard resilience and environmental stewardship

 

INTEGRITY & INDEPENDENCE SAFEGUARDS

(Ensuring geoscience data remains accurate, transparent, and free from political influence.)

1. AI‑Governed Data Prioritisation

Transparent, auditable models determine hazard and geoscience priorities.

2. Immutable Audit Trails

All data changes and modelling outputs logged and reviewable.

3. Independent Appointment Panels

Experts in geoscience, mapping, hazards, environment, and research.

4. Mandatory Publication of Ministerial Contacts

All interactions logged and published.

5. Conflict‑of‑Interest Rules

No political involvement for senior staff.

6. National Geoscience Integrity Framework

Ensures scientific independence, accuracy, and public trust.

 

STRATEGIC ROADMAP — GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA

 

PHASE 1 — FOUNDATION (Years 1–2)

Stabilise & Modernise

  • Consolidate geospatial systems

  • Deploy workflow automation

  • Begin AI pilots for hazard and resource modelling

  • Build unified geoscience‑data architecture

  • Establish independent governance board

 

PHASE 2 — ACCELERATION (Years 2–4)

Automate & Enhance

  • AI‑enabled hazard‑forecasting engine

  • Automated geospatial analytics

  • Digital tools for agencies and industry

  • National earth‑observation uplift

  • Cyber‑resilience upgrades

 

PHASE 3 — EXPANSION (Years 4–6)

Strengthen National Capability

  • National geoscience‑intelligence network

  • Real‑time hazard and resource dashboards

  • Workforce augmentation tools

  • Enhanced transparency and public reporting

 

PHASE 4 — FUTURE‑READY (Years 6–10)

Transform & Protect

  • Fully automated geospatial‑processing cycles

  • Predictive environmental and resource modelling

  • AI‑enabled hazard‑impact analytics

  • Integrated national geoscience ecosystem

DIVISIONAL MODEL — GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA

 

1. Earth Observation & National Mapping Division

Strengthening Australia’s Geospatial Backbone

  • National mapping and geospatial services

  • Satellite earth‑observation capability

  • Positioning, navigation, and timing systems

  • Support for Defence, industry, and infrastructure

 

2. Natural Hazards & Risk Division

Protecting Communities & Infrastructure

  • Earthquake, tsunami, flood, and bushfire monitoring

  • Predictive hazard‑risk modelling

  • National hazard‑intelligence systems

  • Support for NEMA, Defence, and states

 

3. Resources, Groundwater & Environmental Science Division

Supporting Sustainable Resource Development

  • Critical minerals and resource discovery

  • Groundwater modelling and water security

  • Environmental and climate‑impact science

  • Support for industry, agriculture, and environment

 

4. Data, Analytics & Performance Division

Driving Transparency & System Improvement

  • National geoscience datasets

  • Real‑time dashboards and modelling

  • Evidence‑based policy support

  • National reporting frameworks

COSTING TILES — GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA

20% reduction in operating cost, offset by AI‑enabled efficiency

 

TILE 1 — BASELINE FUNDING (REDUCED)

$0.32B per year

(Reduced from $0.40B — 20% efficiency gain)

 

TILE 2 — PHASE 1 (Years 1–2)

$0.50B – $0.72B

Stabilise & Modernise

 

TILE 3 — PHASE 2 (Years 2–4)

$1.00B – $1.40B

Automate & Enhance

 

TILE 4 — PHASE 3 (Years 4–6)

$0.80B – $1.10B

Strengthen Capability

 

TILE 5 — PHASE 4 (Years 6–10)

$2.20B – $3.00B

Transform & Protect

 

TILE 6 — PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

Stewardship • Resilience • Science

  • Hazard‑awareness programs

  • Community resilience tools

  • Environmental‑literacy uplift

  • Digital geoscience access tools

  • Regional and remote mapping support

 

TILE 7 — TOTAL INVESTMENT

6‑Year Total:

$3.12B – $4.22B

10‑Year Total:

$6.52B – $8.62B

 

OUTCOME

A lean, AI‑enabled, science‑driven Geoscience Australia that strengthens national resilience, resource security, environmental stewardship, and sovereign geospatial capability.