The NSW Government has announced a massive co-invest of up to $45 million over three years to accelerate the development of smart places and smart technology uptake across the state.
The NSW Smart Places Acceleration Program will allow the Government to partner with councils and place-owners, such as government agencies, owners, councils or regional organisations, to accelerate the adoption of smart technologies and capabilities in their areas.
Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello, said this program will connect and empower communities by driving investment in new technology and data.
“This $45 million investment will play a significant role in helping deliver the Smart Places Strategy,” Mr Dominello said.
“We want to use technology to make life easier for people. Whether it’s busting congestion or improving health outcomes, this funding is about strengthening communities.
“We are calling on expressions of interest and encourage all relevant councils and place-owners to bring forward ideas.”
The NSW Government is seeking ideas and initiatives that respond to the priorities its communities see, and that can be deployed across the whole of NSW if they prove successful in trials.
Initial initiatives that are progressing have been designed to tackle challenges around parking, water recycling, mobile coverage and managing kerbside open space.
Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, called on all councils to take advantage of this unique opportunity to deliver measurable benefits for their local communities.
“Smart Places will open up a range of improvements for communities, from the introduction of smart CCTV to reduce crime, to reducing water usage through the use of real-time meters,” Mrs Hancock said.
“I encourage councils across the state to put their thinking caps on and get involved in this innovative project.”
To successfully access the Smart Places Acceleration Program, councils and NSW agencies should be able to demonstrate that they can meet and apply the foundational requirements established through the Smart Places Strategy.
To learn more about the Smart Places Strategy and to view the criteria and details on how to submit an expression of interest, please visit https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/strategy-and-reform/smart-places/smart-places-acceleration-program
