At the recent Local Government Tech Summit NSW 2025, an often mentioned topic was how to support frontline and outdoor staff through the use of smart AI and digital tools.
From park rangers and maintenance crews to compliance officers and waste collection teams, these people are often the most visible face of local government, yet they’re often left out when it comes to digital transformation.
Fortunately, modern tools, many of them available within Microsoft 365 and Injio’s mobile-first intranet platform, can bring them into the loop and make their lives easier and return also the people they help. But there are practical ways you can help them using AI and digital solutions:
Asset Management & Maintenance
| Solution | Value | Where to Start |
| Build mobile asset inspection tools with Power Apps | Reduces unplanned downtime and boosts asset lifespan | Identify a frequently used paper-based inspection form (e.g., playground equipment) and digitise it using Power Apps, accessible via mobile device. |
| Automate work orders via Power Automate | Improves auditability and accountability | Map out the current manual process for logging and assigning maintenance requests, then build a flow in Power Automate. |
| Send personalised maintenance alerts based on job title or location using Injio | Equips field staff with real-time task visibility and updates | Use Injio’s intranets role-based targeting to send maintenance alerts only to relevant field teams. |
Waste Management
| Solution | Value | Where to Start |
| Optimise bin collection routes using AI and GPS | Reduces fuel costs and improves efficiency. | Review current collection routes and explore integration with GPS tracking tools or third-party route optimisation services. |
| Enable illegal dumping reports via Injio | Enables real-time reporting and faster response. | Create a mobile form in Injio for waste crews to report illegal dumping with photo and location capture. |
| Use Power BI dashboards to track service performance | Improves reliability of service delivery and enables quicker response to community issues. | Connect Power BI to waste management data source and build a basic dashboard showing collection frequency and issues. |
Park & Environmental Services
| Solution | Value | Where to Start |
| Conduct tree inspections and log incidents with Power Apps | Streamlines environmental reporting and compliance. | Build a Power App for tree inspections or environmental hazards and test it with a small team of rangers. |
| Send weather alerts and fire danger warnings via mobile notifications | Keeps staff safe and informed in real time. | Utilise announcements and notification features in Injio. |
| Personalise updates for rangers on wildlife, closures, and local events | Keeps rangers informed about local conditions and community events. | Use Injio’s content targeting to create a news feed for park staff with updates relevant to their region. |
Public Works & Construction
| Solution | Value | Where to Start |
| Use Microsoft Planner and Teams to coordinate infrastructure projects | Improves collaboration and task tracking. | Set up a Microsoft Planner board for an active project and invite field supervisors via Teams. |
| Provide mobile access to permits, maps, and procedures | Reduces paperwork and ensures access to up-to-date plans. | Upload key project documents (e.g., permits, maps) to SharePoint and surface them in Injio’s mobile interface. Injio Docs is also a great solution for this. |
| Automate incident escalation with Power Automate | Improves on-site safety and operational efficiency | Create a Power Automate flow that triggers an alert when a safety form is submitted or a delay is logged. |
Community Safety & Compliance
| Solution | Value | Where to Start |
| Use mobile forms for inspections and reporting | Speeds up reporting and improves consistency. | Convert a paper-based inspection checklist into a Microsoft Form and automate routing to the compliance team. |
| Deploy Power Virtual Agents for on-the-go policy guidance | Provides instant answers to common queries. | Identify 5–10 frequently asked questions and build a simple chatbot using Power Virtual Agents. |
| Send real-time updates via Injio intranet to relevant officers | Ensures officers receive timely, relevant updates. | Use Injio’s job title-based targeting to send updates only to compliance officers. |
Communication & Support
| Solution | Value | Where to Start |
| Build team connection using Viva Engage | Builds connection and morale among dispersed teams. | Create a dedicated space, such as a team chat, bulletin board, or internal newsletter, where outdoor staff can share updates, tips, and recognition. |
| Tailor alerts and resources by role and location | Cuts through noise and ensures relevance. | Set up Injio intranet content targeting so each staff group sees only the news and alerts relevant to their role. |
With platforms like Microsoft 365 and Injio intranet, it’s possible to deliver AI-powered, mobile-first solutions that makes service delivery easier, whilst enhance staff wellbeing, and strengthening community outcomes.
An investment that creates impact on the ground.
Keen to implementing these ideas? WebVine can help. Reach out today.