The City and other innovative future-focused organisations are celebrating Greater Geelong being named a Smart21 Community of 2023.
The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) a global network has shortlisted 21 semi-finalists who prioritise broadband connectivity knowledge workforce innovation digital inclusion sustainability and advocacy. Greater Geelong is the only Victorian city to be named in the list and one of just three Australian cities. We are now in the running to be celebrated as a Top7 Smart Community which will be announced next month.
A Smart City embraces digital technology utilises data and fosters innovation to create a more liveable sustainable and thriving region.
Greater Geelong’s recognition reflects joint efforts between the City the private and education sectors and other levels of government. The submission highlights 11 projects and initiatives across sustainability digital inclusion youth development citizen engagement and world-class manufacturing such as:
- improvements to digital connectivity such as public Wi-Fi access points and electric scooter/bike chargers through the Smarter Suburbs Program
- the City’s Rambler’s Reef and The Dell Eco Reef projects reduce coastal erosion and provide habitat
- the Geelong Tech School assists young people to develop skills for new industries and emerging technologies
- the City’s Youth on Board Program mentors young people with the goal of appointments to management boards
- support of older residents to understand digital technologies through the Live Life Connected program and
- the City’s Hollow Hunt initiative collects data on tree hollows to help protect native species.
Last year the City of Greater Geelong won the International Smart City of the Year award alongside Barcelona City at the World Smart City Expo in Korea. Geelong jumped 67 spots in the Global Innovation Cities index in the past twelve months. These accolades demonstrate Greater Geelong is being recognised as a leader on the world stage.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
Greater Geelong is thrilled to be named a Smart21 Community of 2023 and is hopeful to make the Top7.
Our region is proud to be a Smart City leader that is innovative forward-thinking and driven to make our community and environment the best it can be.
It is fantastic that different levels of government private industries and the education sector can come together to collaborate and work with each other to create a better future.
Kaarina Phyland - Acting CEO
Becoming a smarter city and finding better ways of doing things is vital as we achieve the community’s clever and creative vision.
This recognition will spur our region on to discover new opportunities that will benefit our people our economy and our natural environment.
We continue to see the advantages of smart technology and innovation in dealing with persistent problems and delivering improved community experiences and services.