Overview
WA DBCA’s challenge
WA’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions had a legacy CKAN 2.6 instance that was only accessible internally and ran on outdated infrastructure outside the department’s standard operating environment. The site contained vital environmental datasets but needed significant modernisation to make the data publicly accessible and meet current operational standards.
WA DBCA’s transformation
Salsa built a new CKAN 2.10 website and migrated over 1400 datasets from the legacy system. We modernised the data catalogue by adding new features like single sign-on, embargo capabilities and Digital Object Identifier (DOI) integration. We also updated multiple CKAN extensions to be compatible with version 2.10 and contributed these updates back to the open-source community.
The outcomes
- A modern, public-facing CKAN 2.10 website that enables better sharing of environmental and conservation data
- Enhanced data management features, including embargo capabilities, DOI integration and improved access controls
- Updated CKAN extensions contributed back to the open-source community, benefiting other government agencies using CKAN
Detailed case study
Below is detailed information on the challenge, transformation and final outcomes/benefits.
WA DBCA’s challenge — outdated and limited data sharing
WA DBCA managed its data catalogue through a legacy CKAN 2.6 instance that was only accessible internally. This system ran on outdated infrastructure outside their standard operating environment, making it increasingly difficult to maintain and secure. Moreover, the internal-only access meant valuable environmental and conservation data couldn’t be shared with the public.
The department needed to modernise its data catalogue to align with Western Australia’s open data initiatives. This required upgrading to the latest version of CKAN and implementing new features to enable public access while maintaining control over sensitive information. They also wanted the ability to share selected datasets with DataWA, the state’s open data portal, to improve the discoverability of their environmental data.
Additionally, many of the CKAN extensions used in their system weren’t compatible with newer versions of CKAN, presenting a significant technical challenge for the upgrade. The department needed a partner with deep CKAN expertise that could both upgrade these extensions and implement new features like embargo capabilities and DOI integration.
WA DBCA’s transformation — open data with updated CKAN platform
Salsa delivered a comprehensive upgrade of WA DBCA’s data catalogue by building a new CKAN 2.10 platform with enhanced features for both internal and public access. The solution included implementing single sign-on (SSO) integration, configuring secure Azure cloud storage, and contributing several extension upgrades back to the open-source CKAN community to ensure compatibility with version 2.10.
Using our experience from previous government CKAN implementations, we delivered several key enhancements beyond the core platform upgrade. These included implementing embargo capabilities for controlled data releases, enabling Digital Object Identifier (DOI) integration for persistent dataset references, and creating a custom Darwin Core Archive ingestion extension to support biodiversity data management. We also enabled data syndication capabilities to share relevant datasets with DataWA, the state’s central open data portal. We completed the technical migration of over 1,400 datasets to the new platform while preserving all metadata, groups and tags.
Throughout the project, Salsa worked closely with the WA DBCA team to share CKAN expertise and build internal capability. Our collaborative approach included comprehensive knowledge transfer sessions and hands-on training to help the team become proficient with CKAN administration, enabling them to manage future platform updates and maintenance confidently. Salsa is still working with the DBCA to provide ongoing support and technical assistance where required.
The outcomes — a modern, updated, open data platform
WA DBCA now has a modern, cloud-native CKAN 2.10 platform that enables the secure and controlled release of environmental and conservation datasets to the public. The new platform’s embargo system allows for scheduled data releases, while the DOI integration ensures datasets can be persistently referenced by researchers and other users.
Through enhanced data management features and DataWA integration, WA DBCA can make its valuable environmental data discoverable through Western Australia’s central open data portal. This broadens the reach of WA DBCA’s datasets and supports the state’s commitment to open data sharing. The technical foundation is now in place for WA DBCA to progressively share their extensive collection of over 1,400 environmental and conservation datasets with the public.
Key outcomes include:
- A modern CKAN 2.10 platform with upgraded, compatible extensions
- Enhanced data management features, including embargo capabilities and DOI integration
- Integration with DataWA for improved data discoverability
- Secure Azure cloud storage and single sign-on integration
- Knowledge transfer enabling the WA DBCA team to manage future platform updates
- Contributions back to the open source CKAN community through extension updates
About WA DBCA
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is the Western Australian government agency responsible for managing the state’s parks, forests, reserves and wildlife. DBCA works to conserve WA’s natural environment and biodiversity while also providing sustainable recreation and tourism opportunities for the community.