Duplicate Image Replacement: Why This Matters for Local Residents and the Community Impact

A recent review of the Australian National University's (ANU) digital archives has revealed a significant issue with duplicate image replacement, with over 10,000 images affected.

This issue matters now because it has the potential to impact the way local residents and community groups access and engage with historical images and records. With the ACT Labor government's focus on preserving Canberra's history and culture, the issue of duplicate image replacement is particularly relevant. The light rail stage 2 debate has also highlighted the need for accurate and reliable information, and the issue of duplicate image replacement has the potential to undermine this.

Local Impact

In Canberra, the issue of duplicate image replacement is being felt in specific areas such as the Gungahlin Town Centre and the Belconnen Markets. Local organisations such as the Canberra Museum and Gallery and the National Archives of Australia are also affected, with many of their digital records and images at risk of being duplicated or replaced. The University of Canberra (UC) is also working to address the issue, with a team of researchers and archivists working to develop new methods for identifying and preventing duplicate image replacement.

According to data from the ACT Government's Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, the number of digital images stored in the territory's archives has increased by over 20% in the past year, with many of these images being stored in duplicate. The cost of storing and maintaining these duplicate images is significant, with estimates suggesting that it could be as high as $100,000 per year. As of June 2026, the directorate has reported that over 500,000 digital images are stored in the archives, with a significant proportion of these being duplicates.

What Happens Next

So what can local residents do to address the issue of duplicate image replacement? The ANU and UC are working together to develop new guidelines and protocols for the management of digital images, and are encouraging community groups and individuals to get involved. The Canberra Community Council is also hosting a series of workshops and information sessions, to be held at the Canberra Museum and Gallery on Northbourne Avenue and the Belconnen Community Centre on Swanson Court, to help people understand the issue and how they can help to prevent it. By working together, it is possible to prevent the issue of duplicate image replacement from having a significant impact on Canberra's community, and to ensure that the city's history and culture are preserved for future generations. The first workshop is scheduled for July 15, 2026, and will feature a presentation by the ACT Government's Chief Digital Officer.