The City of Greater Geelong has won the International Smart City of the Year award, shared with Barcelona City and presented at the World Smart City Expo in Korea.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Peter Murrihy, said the award is recognition of joint efforts between Council, the private sector, the education sector and other levels of government to create a more liveable, sustainable and thriving Geelong.
“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.
“Geelong is seen as a leading Smart City that’s investing in its future through smart technology, open data and innovation.”
Examples of Smart City initiatives underway in Greater Geelong include:
- Enhanced fibre installation to The Bellarine – future-proofing the City with digital infrastructure
- Geelong Data Exchange – open data that anyone can access, modify and reuse
- Internet of Things – using smart sensors to collect data and insights
- Hollow Hunt – a citizen science initiative to protect tree hollows
- Weather Together – a community weather data project to understand microclimates
- Urban Forest Dashboard – sharing data on city-managed trees
- Public WiFi and enhanced Broadband – to reduce the digital divide and stimulate business innovation
Innovative Solutions Deputy Chair, Councillor Sarah Mansfield, said the award is recognition of the progress the City has made since the adoption of the Smart City Strategic Framework in 2021.
“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,” Cr Mansfield said.
Greater Geelong shares the International Smart City of the Year award with Barcelona City.
