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With an increasing population and the need for sustainable development, the concept of smart cities has gained momentum globally, and Australia is no exception. Smart cities utilise technology and data to improve the quality of life for citizens, enhance economic opportunities, and reduce environmental impact. Some of the smart city projects include projects like smart mobility for infrastructure, energy management, smart waste management system, public safety, digital infrastructure, smart governance etc.
Australia has made significant strides in building smart cities, with various projects implemented across the country. These initiatives are guided by comprehensive smart city plans that emphasize sustainability, connectivity, and innovation. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are at the forefront, incorporating advanced technologies to improve urban living. Through their smart city plans, these urban areas are enhancing infrastructure, optimizing resource management, and fostering economic growth, setting a benchmark for urban development. Australia’s smart city development has been commendable over the years.
The way forward is a smart one. Smart cities in Australia serve as role models for their neighbouring cities as well as cities outside of the country. Through the responsible and creative use of smart technology, smart cities in Australia can deliver services to their citizens in a way that is a hundred times more efficient than they previously did.
In this blog, we will explore seven notable smart city projects in Australia that are leading the way in creating more livable and sustainable urban environments.
First of all, What are Smart Cities?
The term “smart city” means a city capable of solving its problems with a range of smart technologies. The Australian government has collaborated with various companies and local governments to integrate these technologies within the city to create more smart cities.
This premise applies to all things that make a city: transportation, social services, waste management, etc. To make this happen, concepts within the Internet of Things or IoT technology are applied. The Internet of Things is a system of connected devices or machines that interact through a cloud server. Data is processed through an IoT system to deliver a specific service. For example, a garbage bin that ‘messages’ the rubbish collectors when it’s full is deployed using IoT. Smart street furniture such as solar benches is also being used in parks to create smart green spaces around the city.
A city becomes smarter through various efforts from local governments and tech companies. Efforts like improving the city’s internet connectivity or developing an app where citizens can access all city council services. The term ‘smart city, therefore, is an umbrella term that refers to cities that direct their efforts toward smart solutions. A city is gearing up to become ‘smart’ as long as the city is making the daily lives of its citizens easier using smart technology and the internet.
8 Notable Smart-city Projects in Australia
In an effort to transition to smart systems, cities in Australia have launched specific projects. These projects allow them to build their ‘smartness’ and ease their citizens into smart living. Here are the list of smart city projects in Australia:
Darwin Smart City Project
Location and a brief description of the project:
Switching on Darwin is a smart city project launched in the city of Darwin, located in the Northern Territory of Australia. The project aims to reduce crime in the city by upgrading its street lighting system. Darwin is marching its way into becoming one of the most promising smart cities in Australia.
Key features and technologies used:
The project involves upgrading the city’s street lighting to more reliable and longer-lasting LED lights. Additionally, the city has installed “smart” columns that use sensors and cameras to detect and deter criminal activity. The lighting system is also equipped with sound monitoring features that can pick up screams for help and immediately notify emergency responders.
Impact on the community and the environment:
The Switching on Darwin project has had a significant impact on the community by enhancing public safety and reducing the crime rate. The use of LED lights has also helped to reduce the city’s carbon footprint, as they are more energy-efficient than traditional street lighting systems. Furthermore, the smart city plan has helped to create a more sustainable and livable environment for the city’s residents, promoting economic growth and attracting new businesses to the area.
Brisbane Smart City Project
Location and a brief description of the project:
Brisbane is a city in the state of Queensland, Australia, that has developed digital literacy programs to introduce smartness into the culture. The city has invested over $5 million in a startup to train students in coding and release data sets and resources. Smart cities in Australia are heavily investing in technology.
Key features and technologies used:
The project involves providing digital literacy training to citizens to encourage the development of smart solutions. Brisbane City Council has developed a startup that trains over 3,000 students in coding and has released 130 data sets and other resources. The smart city project uses various technologies such as data analytics, cloud computing, and AI algorithms to provide a comprehensive digital literacy program.
Impact on the community and the environment:
The project has had a significant impact on the community by promoting digital literacy and enabling citizens to develop smart solutions. The initiative has helped businesses and community organizations to develop innovative solutions that solve real-world problems, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents. Additionally, the project has promoted sustainability by encouraging the use of smart technologies that are energy-efficient and reduce the carbon footprint. The commitment to digital literacy has created a culture of innovation and independence, where citizens can explore and develop new ideas that benefit the community and the environment.
Perth Smart City Project
Location and a brief description of the project:
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and in 2017, the Perth City Council launched a smart city project called the Perth Smart Cities Collaboration. The project aimed to foster collaboration between the city and its partner schools and universities to develop innovative ways to make the city smarter. The Perth city council has a great contribution to strengthening smart cities in Australia.
Key features and technologies used:
The Perth Smart Cities Collaboration project involved several features and technologies, including smart irrigation, CCTV video analytics, an Open Data Portal, and a smart lighting trial. The project leveraged IoT sensors, data analytics, and AI algorithms to optimize the city’s urban services and enhance its sustainability.
Impact on the community and the environment:
The project had a significant impact on the community by improving the quality of life for Perth residents through the implementation of innovative urban services. The smart irrigation system helped to conserve water and reduce waste, while the CCTV video analytics improved public safety and security. The Open Data Portal provided access to valuable data that helped businesses and citizens make informed decisions, and the smart lighting trial reduced energy consumption, carbon emissions, and greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the project has contributed to making Perth a more sustainable, livable, and innovative city.
Adelaide Smart City Project
Location and a brief description of the project:
Ten Gigabit Adelaide is a smart city plan in Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. The project aims to support businesses in their network and connectivity needs by providing seamless access to high-speed networks.
Key features and technologies used:
The project utilizes advanced technologies such as fibre-optic networks, cloud computing, and IoT sensors to enable businesses to connect seamlessly to high-speed networks. The network infrastructure is designed to support the growing demand for data-intensive applications and enable businesses to optimize their operations, enhance their competitiveness, and attract investment.
Impact on the community and the environment:
The project has had a significant impact on the local economy by attracting new businesses, creating job opportunities, and stimulating economic growth. The seamless connectivity has enabled businesses to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and increase productivity, which ultimately contributes to the city’s economic development. The project has also had a positive impact on the environment by promoting the use of energy-efficient technologies and reducing the carbon footprint. Additionally, the project has improved the quality of life for citizens by creating a conducive environment for businesses, leading to steady income growth and job creation.
Melbourne Smart City Project
Location and a brief description of the project:
Yarra Council, in partnership with Eco Renewable Energy, has implemented smart solar benches in Yarra City Council. Three Smart Solar benches have been installed in the area, providing multi-functioning street furniture for citizens. These innovative benches are equipped with charging ports and Wi-Fi, making them the perfect place to sit and enjoy the sun while staying connected. The project is designed to collect data and create an informed and sustainable future for Yarra.
Key features and technologies used:
The Smart Solar benches in Yarra Council are powered by solar energy, making them an environmentally-friendly addition to public seating. The benches are equipped with charging ports and free public Wi-Fi, making them an ideal spot for citizens to relax and stay connected while out and about. The Smart solar benches also have sensors that collect data on pedestrian traffic and environmental conditions, providing valuable insights into the needs of the community and the impact of urbanization.
Impact on the community and the environment:
The Smart Solar benches in Yarra Council have several benefits for the community and the environment. Firstly, they provide a comfortable and convenient place for citizens to rest and stay connected while out and about. Secondly, they promote sustainability by using clean energy and reducing the need for traditional power sources. Finally, they contribute to the collection of valuable data on pedestrian traffic and environmental conditions, helping to inform future urban planning decisions and create a more informed and sustainable future for Yarra.
Lismore Smart City Project
Location and a brief description of the project:
The Lismore Smart City project is an initiative by the Lismore City Council in New South Wales, to transform the city into a more sustainable and livable place using technology and innovation. The project is focused on three key areas: energy, transport, and data.
Key features and technologies used:
Solar power generation: The project has installed over 800 kW of solar panels on public buildings and community facilities, which generates renewable energy and reduces the city’s carbon footprint.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure: Lismore has installed electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city, making it easier for residents and visitors to use electric vehicles.
Smart lighting: The project has installed energy-efficient LED lighting in public spaces, which is remotely managed and can be adjusted based on usage patterns and weather conditions.
Data collection and analysis: Lismore is using data analytics to monitor and optimize energy usage, traffic flow, and public services.
Waste management: The project has implemented a smart waste management system, which uses sensors to monitor waste levels in public bins and alerts waste management teams when bins need to be emptied.
Community engagement: The project has engaged with the local community to raise awareness about the benefits of smart city technologies and encourage residents to adopt sustainable practices.
Impact on the community and the environment:
The Lismore Smart City project has had a significant impact on the community and the environment. The solar power generation initiative has reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions, while the electric vehicle charging infrastructure has encouraged the use of electric vehicles and reduced emissions from transportation. The smart lighting system has also reduced energy consumption and improved public safety. The waste management system has reduced waste and improved efficiency in waste collection. The community engagement initiatives have raised awareness about sustainable living and encouraged residents to adopt sustainable practices. Overall, the Lismore Smart City project is a positive example of how technology and innovation can be used to improve sustainability and livability in cities.
Canterbury Bankstown Smart City Project
Location and a brief description of the project:
The Our Energy Future program is a project implemented by the council of Canterbury Bankstown, Australia. It is a program designed to help citizens manage their energy costs and reduce their energy footprint. The program provides free and quality energy advisory services to property owners or renters through a web and mobile self-assessment service as well as direct services they can access through phone or at government offices. Citizens also enjoy free walkthrough home and business energy assessments.
Key features and technologies used:
The Our Energy Future program is focused on raising awareness about environmentally-friendly energy options rather than on technology. It provides a range of services to help citizens manage their energy consumption, including web and mobile self-assessment services, phone support, and free walkthrough home and business energy assessments. These services are designed to help homeowners and businesses be more conscious of the energy they consume and reduce their overall energy footprint.
Impact on the community and the environment:
The Our Energy Future program has several benefits for the community. Firstly, it helps citizens manage their energy costs by providing free and quality energy advisory services. This can help to reduce the financial burden on households and businesses. Secondly, it helps citizens reduce their energy footprint by raising awareness about environmentally-friendly energy options. This helps to promote sustainable living practices and reduces the impact of energy consumption on the environment. Finally, the program has a positive impact on the local economy by creating jobs in the renewable energy sector.
Check Out: Key Elements of Smart City
Sydney Smart City Project
Location and Brief Description
Located in Parramatta’s CBD(Central Business District), Phillip Street has undergone a significant transformation into a ‘smart street’ led by the City of Parramatta. This initiative integrates cutting-edge technologies such as connected street furniture, smart irrigation systems, and advanced environmental monitoring to enhance urban livability and accessibility for residents, workers, and visitors.
Key Features and Technologies Used
The project includes:
Blown fibre infrastructure and additional conduits for future connectivity needs
Multi-function poles and smart street furniture with built-in USB charging ports
Smart irrigation systems to support sustainable landscaping
CCTV and environmental monitoring for enhanced safety and data collection
Water misting systems for temperature regulation and comfort
Impact on the community and the environment:
Community: Enhanced pedestrian space, increased outdoor dining options, and improved overall amenity have enriched the CBD experience for residents and visitors.
Environment: Strategic planting of mature street trees and installation of rain gardens help mitigate urban heat, improve air quality, and promote biodiversity, particularly beneficial during Parramatta’s warm summer months.”
Read Our Article: Empowering Local Councils with Renewable Energy Solutions
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