The Australian Government should develop a top-down, strategically aligned approach to creating smart infrastructure in smart cities through specific strategies, objectives and outcomes. These should incorporate a full strategic policy, standard common definitions and an investment attraction program.
It is critical to have these foundational building blocks in place to fully realise the economic and societal benefits of smart cities.
Over the past four years, the Australian Government has invested $50 million to help catalyse a smart cities marketplace through the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program. The Program is showing that local government, in partnership with the private sector and academia, can turn ideas into workable projects with real economic value to communities.
The related City and Regional Deals programs have created unique platforms for collaboration between all tiers of government centred on transformational infrastructure. This enables them to work with communities to identity priorities, and supports co-investment in infrastructure and services. Place-based programs are helping to better align planning, investment and governance with the specific needs of participating cities.
Extended programs provide the opportunity to consider smart technology deployment in regional industries such as agribusiness, tourism and logistics.
Further investment should prioritise scalable projects that encourage businesses and communities to accelerate their smart cities strategies.
The Australian Government should provide guidance, Joint funding opportunities, capacity building and collaboration mechanisms to help to scale and replicate place-based programs across Australia.