The City of Greater Geelong is a step closer to achieving its Smart City goals, following the endorsement of a 15-year agreement to access 24 kilometres of optical fibre from Corio to East Geelong.
The city has entered into a contract with not-for-profit organisation, AARNet, to install and utilise a high-speed optical fibre network which will form the backbone of the Smart City initiative, and provide community facilities and public spaces with access to ultra-high-speed internet.
The contract, endorsed by councillors at last week’s council meeting, is a critical part of the Smarter Suburbs project to address gaps in digital access and affordability in the northern suburbs.
It is expected to enable the delivery of fast free public Wi-Fi and an enhanced broadband service, expected to be available to the public in mid-2022.
It is a component of a larger project to run fibre between Lara and Waurn Ponds and is an extension to the already approved Bellarine fibre contract.
Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the Smarter Suburbs project was critical to tackling disadvantage in the northern suburbs.
“Addressing the technology gap across Greater Geelong is among the most important projects we can carry out to support residents of all ages,” he said.
“Council and the Victorian government have previously identified the benefits of public Wi-Fi to bridge the divide across the community.
“However, the last two years of home schooling, working from home and lockdowns, when many people of all ages relied on digital communication to stay in touch with friends and family, have further reinforced the importance of internet access.”
Innovative solutions portfolio chair Peter Murrihy said the council was pleased to endorse the optical fibre contract and he looked forward to the project getting started.
“Smarter Suburbs is a key project to help realise our community-led 30-year Clever and Creative Future vision and Our Community Plan’s strategic priority to build a healthy, caring and inclusive community,” he said.
“Fast and free internet that’s accessible to all will make a big difference to our community.”
He said the delivery of high-quality optical fibre was one of the key ways the City was preparing for technological advancements which relied on high-speed internet and data processing capabilities.
The city’s smart sensor network will also rely on the infrastructure to enable more smart services from environmental monitoring to smart lighting.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens said it was great to see areas across Geelong would have access to an improved Wi-Fi and broadband network.
“The Victorian government’s $1.8 million investment through the Connecting Regional Communities Program will deliver opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors in the state’s second biggest city to help it thrive,” she said.
“Connectivity is so important to ensure everyone has access to participate online and this project is a great step forward in ensuring that Geelong’s economy continues to grow.”
