Geelong has been named the joint-winner of the International Smart City of the Year award alongside Barcelona at the World Smart City Expo in Korea.
The award, announced on Friday, September 2, recognised the City of Greater Geelong’s “vision for the future of smart technology, open data and innovation” that “greatly improved digital connectivity, future-proofed the region and created a building block for numerous smart city initiatives that are driving urban innovation”.
Smart City initiatives currently underway in Geelong include enhanced fibre installation to the Bellarine, a Geelong data exchange, a community weather data project, a citizen science initiative to protect tree hollows, the Urban Forest Dashboard and public wifi.
Mayor Peter Murrihy said the award was a result of joint efforts between Council and many other stakeholders including the private sector, the education sector and other levels of government.
“Greater Geelong is an innovative, pioneering city and we are proud to have a place on the
world stage to highlight the way we’re using smart technology and digital innovation,”
Mayor Murrihy said.
Innovative Solutions deputy chair Councillor Sarah Mansfield said the adoption of Geelong’s Smart City Strategic Framework in 2021 had made the award possible.
“Smart City projects are all about making a difference to our community and environment.
We’re using smart sensors to help protect native wildlife and sharing data on more than
165,000 trees we manage through our new Urban Forest Dashboard,” Cr Mansfield said.
“These events are really important for sharing our achievements and being inspired by smart
city initiatives from across the globe.”
