Toowoomba council trial use of AI program ChatGPT in marketing for events

One of the controversial and recent advances in technology has reached the Toowoomba council, with the use of artificial intelligence in its operations revealed.

Chat GPT and Toowoomba Regional Council CEO Brian Pidgeon.

The Toowoomba Regional Council has started investigating the use of artificial intelligence in its operations, with the organisation already creating marketing material with controversial emerging program ChatGPT.

In a move that raised concerns among some councillors, environment and community general manager Nick Hauser revealed at council’s ordinary meeting last week that was used to create marketing material to promote the Jondaryan Woolshed’s ‘Back To The Woolshed’ event in January.

These included posts on the woolshed’s Facebook page.

Check out the AI-generated Facebook status below:

“The initial language bot trial proved successful and will be further investigated in the development of future marketing materials for other events, activities and promotions,” Mr Hauser wrote in his report for February.

This prompted councillor Rebecca Vonhoff to question CEO Brian Pidgeon as to whether AI technology was being used in other parts of council.

“I’m unaware of that, there’s no push for us to do so at the moment,” Mr Pidgeon replied.

“The issue is around whether it helps or improves efficiency in the organisation, or does it hinder jobs?

“There are implications both ways in relation to this one — in this case, (environment and community) cited a marketing issue which would normally be done by marketing experts.

“From my perspective, it’s early days as to the utility of this program for our council, but it’s something I think we’ll have to look at and whether we’ll need to restrict that use.”

Ms Vonhoff also noted many industries, such as academia, were already grappling with the disruptive nature of AI technology that can allow people to create entire essays within minutes.

“Universities for instance are having to move ahead because students are already using ChatGPT — I’d love the councillors’ thoughts on it.”

Colleague Kerry Shine expressed concerns at the rollout of the technology in the future without councillor consultation.

“I had a concern about the AI item that was raised by councillor Vonhoff before, about its introduction at all,” he said.

“I was relieved by the CEO’s explanation that it was early days, and (I would hope) any introduction would be a matter of consideration for council in the future as opposed to a purely operational matter.”

Councillor Bill Cahill foreshadowed potential legal risks and financial costs for the organisation to consider in the future.

“Brian, from an overall risk perspective, when it’s appropriate and there’s enough information you have to talk to council about it (we would like feedback on its rollout),” he said.

“My meagre understanding of this new phase of technology is it is free at the moment, but it will involve a charge in the future, so there is a cost consideration for council.

“We probably just need our minds around this — there are some considered measures for us to take.”