Media Release: Turnbull Government commits $22 million to improve liveability in our cities and regions

New ideas to make our suburbs and towns better places to live could become reality with the Turnbull Government committing $22 million to support local governments to solve local problems.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher today announced applications are now open for Round Two of the Turnbull Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program.

“Round One of this program is making a big impact, with 49 projects funded across a wide range of technologies and applications - such as trialling a driverless electric shuttle in Perth to help reduce congestion,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Today we’re kicking off Round Two – with $22 million of funding available to support innovative smart technology solutions to improve liveability in our cities and regional centres.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to building better cities, and local governments are encouraged to make submissions that deliver innovative, technology-based approaches to improve the liveability and increase the productivity and sustainability of Australia’s cities, suburbs and towns.

“Funding is open to all cities, not just our capitals, with 40 per cent of successful projects from Round One located in regional areas.”

The Smart Cities and Suburbs Program will allocate a total of $50 million across Rounds One and Two. 

Projects funded under Round One include:

·         Using satellite surface temperature data to enable pedestrians and cyclists in Bendigo to map cooler routes on hot days.

·         Using wifi temperature loggers and infrared drone images to collect data on the effect of roof colour on home temperature and display the data in new housing estates in outer Perth.

·         Invest in CCTV, wifi, bin sensors, electric car charging systems, renewable energy generation and LED public lighting to help digitally transform the South Australian town of Kapunda while using data analytics to help market and promote the town.

Applications will be open until 2 July. For more information on the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program please visit https://cities.infrastructure.gov.au/smart-cities-program

Paul Fletcher, Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities, Sydney