Goulburn is already transforming into a technological hub, but a new council plan seeks to assist this development even further.
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Goulburn Mulwaree Council staff began the process of developing a Smart City Strategy with consultants in April this year.
A report to Tuesday’s council meeting seeks endorsement for this strategy and to apply for funding under Round 2 of the Federal Government Smart Cities and Suburbs Program for certain projects highlighted in it.
Any projects will be subject to the proposed grant applications.
Consultation was undertaken in April and May this year and a public meeting was held on April 6. The council has now finalised its Smart City Strategy as a result.
The priorities in the plan include:
*advocacy for better connectivity and internet for regional communities,
*enhancing free public Wi-Fi,
*expansion of the online services the council provides with a focus on digital community engagement,
*further investigation into LED street lighting and smart water meters, and
*progressing a Goulburn University Centre.
Apart from this centre, which is already underway at Goulburn TAFE, other examples of Goulburn transforming in to a smart city include the establishment of Workplace 2580, the Goulburn Free Public Wi Fi, the Teslar Charging Stations and the provision of smart library services such as the Big Read Bus.
On Friday, Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk said many aspects the strategy tie in together.
“All of these projects link in and there are many things already on the go,” Cr Kirk said.
In an introduction to the plan, Cr Kirk states the objectives of it include “improving digital connectivity, skills and opportunity and providing access to better local services that are convenient and user-friendly.”
The report to the council meeting states a significant amount of community consultation was undertaken on the strategy. Council staff also held meetings with the Goulburn Group, the Chamber of Commerce, Workspace2580 and the University of Canberra.