By Luke Voogt
An expansion of free public WiFi, a 3D city model and pedestrian, soil and climate sensors are all part of council’s plan for a “smart” Geelong.
Council on Tuesday night adopted “the region’s first” Smart City Strategic Framework in a bid to harness emerging technology to improve liveability in greater Geelong.
Council also endorsed a four-year action plan, which went on public display with the framework for two months beginning last December.
The framework paves the way for City Hall to use technology, data and innovation to “meaningfully improve the day-to-day lives of everyone in our community”, according to council’s innovative solutions portfolio chair Peter Murrihy.
“The community input has been invaluable and has helped us to deliver a framework that genuinely responds to community visions and expectations,” Cr Murrihy said.
Council plans to further refine its 3D model of Geelong, which it describes as the city’s “digital twin”, to better visualise development and allow residents to be “more involved in planning”.
Pedestrian sensors to better assess foot traffic and the use of public spaces and soil sensors to improve water use also form part of the plan, as do climate and parking sensors.
“Work to lessen the digital divide will continue“ with plans to expand the free public WiFi network and a fast broadband trial with the “roll-out of an additional 49 smart nodes“, according to council.
Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the framework provided a safe and transparent decision-making protocol for council’s use of modern technology and data.
The framework details seven principles for using emerging technology: people first, inclusive and accessible, evidence-based, connection and value, collaboration, innovation and creativity, and trust and transparency.
Luke Voogt
