Advancing Baw Baw – A Digital Platform for Advocacy

Baw Baw Shire, VIC, needed a digital platform to clearly and securely communicate its strategic project pipeline to potential funders, investors, and community stakeholders in an engaging way. The challenge was delivering a tool that was visually connected to the existing “Advancing Baw Baw” brand and technically robust, while managing complexity across dozens of projects. Ensuring seamless, password-protected access for 50+ stakeholder roles, the experience had to be user-friendly for a non-technical audience, yet powerful enough to serve as both an advocacy and decision-making tool. The platform also needed modular project-level content and dynamic data elements for richer context.

We designed a dual-view interface (Map and List) that lets users explore projects spatially or by category. Modular content blocks can be toggled on and off per project, while additional components surface live regional stats like population and density. Built in React with Mapbox integration, the platform features dynamic clustering and filters for streamlined navigation. A secure admin portal powered by Strapi CMS allows easy updates with minimal training. The interface extends the existing “Advancing Baw Baw” identity through a cohesive, responsive system, delivering an intuitive experience for stakeholders, investors, and internal teams alike.

The platform has become a cornerstone of Baw Baw Shire’s advocacy efforts. Stakeholders can now explore live, detailed project information via a single portal. Internally, staff can manage and update content with ease. Public understanding is boosted through integrated stats and dynamic project storytelling. Reduced printed materials and sustainable design practices support the Shire’s environmental goals. Built to WCAG accessibility standards and powered by a scalable CMS, the platform ensures lasting utility and reach. It sets a new digital benchmark for how regional governments can present complex civic data clearly, inclusively, and strategically.

- Dual-view navigation: Map and List view modes allow users to browse by preference and explore intuitively. - Modular content: Admins can show or hide project sections to tailor messaging and keep content relevant. - Live stats component: Built-in modules display region-specific data like density and population, adding strategic context. - Admin portal: Secure and simple-to-use CMS allows internal teams to manage, update, and maintain all project content. - Responsive UX: Designed for desktop with full mobile optimisation, ensuring broad accessibility across devices. - Password-protected access: Ensures that sensitive advocacy information is viewable only by intended audiences. - Accessibility compliance: Built to WCAG standards with strong colour contrast, keyboard support, and semantic structure. - UI system and brand alignment: Components, typography, colour, and layout extend the award-winning Advancing Baw Baw brand identity. - Sustainable design: Optimised images, reusable code, and energy-conscious colour use reduce the carbon footprint. - Built for scale: Structured to support additional features such as voting, commenting, and future multi-region expansion. - Technology stack: React, Mapbox, Strapi CMS, and PostgreSQL for performance, flexibility, and intuitive data management.