The NSW Open Data Portal has shared 10,000 data sets since its launch in 2009, and was most recently used to keep the public informed about the location of bushfires.

Simon Herbert, Executive Director Data, Insights & Transformation, said that releasing non-personalised data is good for everyone because the data can be used in various ways to make life easier.

“The Fires Near Me app is helping many families across the state right now, while the popular Fuel Check app helps customers find the cheapest petrol available,” Mr Herbert said.

Mr Herbert is encouraging the private sector to make use of the portal to find new and innovative ways to use the data.

“The NSW Government works closely with the Information Commissioner as the NSW Open Data Advocate to encourage the release of data by NSW government agencies whilst upholding data sharing safeguards and protecting the rights of the individual,” he said.

Information Commissioner and NSW Open Data Advocate Elizabeth Tydd said there is a value to open data that is not generally seen in other forms of information release.

“For instance, trends and predictions can be readily identified using data and software to better inform decision making and promote transparency and accountability,” she said.

“Importantly the accessibility of Open Data ensures that anyone can use the data – and that promotes a more open government.”

Ms Tydd says the responsible release of non-personal data has also improved outcomes in government services.

Data sets from the portal are used in applications such as the NSW Education School Finder and in data hackathons such as GovHack.

The portal was created to provide businesses and individuals with access to data sets from all government departments and agencies across the state.