Councils look to build tomorrow’s communities through smart city innovations

Local government delegates have heard about current challenges and opportunities of using smart city innovations to shape their communities for the future at the 23rd National General Assembly of Local Government held in Canberra today.

The Australian Local Government Association President, Mayor David O’Loughlin, said councils are well-placed to create more prosperous and innovative communities.

“The 2017 State of the Regions report we launched yesterday argues that the development of smart cities cannot be led by technology alone, but that a joint effort is required at the community level to effectively use the technology to drive improvements in the liveability of our communities,” he said.

“Councils collect huge amounts of data which can be analysed and applied to improve the lives of our residents and make our cities and regions smarter. This data and information can inform decision-making to create opportunities and support the delivery of better services for our communities.”

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson shared the ambitions of their Maroochydore Bright City project with the delegates in attendance.

“The Maroochydore City Centre is the only green field central business district in Australia at this time,” he said.

“We’re taking the opportunity with this green field development site to build in from the ground up, the infrastructure and technology solutions that will deliver Australia’s first truly ‘smart city’.

“These technologies include smart lighting, smart parking, smart water and Australia’s first underground pneumatic waste system.”

ALGA President David O’Loughlin added: “This is just one example of how local councils are leading the development of the smart city transformation across Australia.

“From online services, high-speed public wifi, digital training hubs, connected lighting, online community consultation, project information portals, infrastructure monitoring and smart devices, local communities and businesses are trailing and embracing change at many levels.

“We are particularly delighted to congratulate the City of Melbourne for recently winning the ‘Most Intelligent Community in the World’ title from the New York-based global think tank, the Intelligent Community Forum.”

The National General Assembly of Local Government is being held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra from 19 – 21 June 2017.

MEDIA CONTACT