The Federal Government has announced $21 million in funding for Round Two of the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program. The program will assist 32 innovative projects that will improve liveability for Australian communities.
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, said many of the projects will collect valuable, sensor-based data that, once analysed, could mean sharing the projects nationally, and internationally.
“This program helps local governments that are pushing the boundaries with new ideas to address liveability issues that are facing local communities everywhere,” Mr Tudge said.
“Many of these projects will increase the productivity and sustainability of Australia’s cities and towns.”
Successful projects include Logan City Council, which will receive $250,000 towards its flooded roads smart warning system project that will provide real-time warning signs activated during flooding.
Wollondilly Shire Council’s project, Western Sydney Parkland City Sensor Network, will receive $700,000, building on the Western Sydney City Deal.
The project will deploy a sensor network across the Western Parkland City to collect data that will be used to reduce congestion and increase efficient use of lighting and irrigation in public areas.
The project builds on the collaboration underpinning the Western Sydney City Deal to set up a unified data framework across the eight councils that will enable partnership into the future.
Launceston City Council will install a traffic management system across the city that synchronises traffic signals to optimise the flow of traffic and, most importantly, provide the ability to prioritise emergency vehicles.
Mr Tudge said the 32 projects announced around the country are pioneering and aim to reduce things like congestion on our roads, energy consumption and reduce waste.
“Today’s announcement follows $27.7 million in Coalition Government funding being allocated to 49 highly successful projects around the nation under Round One of the Program in November 2017.
“Round One supported a range of activities, including trialling a driverless electric shuttle in Perth to help reduce congestions, a city-scale transport, energy and digital infrastructure network in Newcastle and CCTV, smart lighting and parking in Darwin.
“The program encourages collaboration between local governments, industry, research organisations, tech start-ups and manufacturers in cities and towns across Australia. These partnerships in turn support the growth of emerging industries and help build smart city capability at the local level.
“Round Two was just as competitive as Round One; we received 102 applications, and I thank all of the local governments who submitted applications for their engagement in the program.”
