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Local communities can advise on developing tech. solutions for better Australian cities and suburbs
LOCAL COMMUNITIES are being encouraged to submit their ideas before January 20 on shaping a Federal Government program that will develop technology solutions for rollout across Australia.
Draft guidelines for the $50 million Smart Cities and Suburbs Program were released for public consultation in December with the first funding round due to open in the second quarter of 2017. 
Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, Angus Taylor said there had been more than 800 downloads of the draft guidelines and public feedback was being sought.
“We’ve had significant interest in the draft guidelines and I encourage the public and stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity to have a say on the program before consultation closes at the end of next week,” Mr Taylor said.
“Communities of all sizes will be able to apply for funding under the program. We’re looking for digital and data solutions which solve everyday urban problems and have the potential to be scaled up and delivered Australia wide.”
The Smart Cities and Suburbs Program aims to deploy new ideas not yet seen in Australia.
“The projects must place the citizen at the centre,” Mr Taylor said. “Smart Cities need to take a people-first approach to designing and delivering responsive public services, with the help of smart technologies.”
When the first funding round opens, eligible applicants will be able to apply for up to $5 million in Federal grant funding. At least $10 million will be available to support smaller projects with a total value under $1 million.
The program has been designed to accelerate the roll out of ready-to-deploy projects, and to provide support and incubation for projects in their early stages.
“The Australian Government is committed to working with governments, business and the community to help our cities – regional and metropolitan – reach their full potential,” Mr Taylor said.
He said stakeholders interested in the program could download the draft guidelines and provide comment until January 20 through the Government’s Cities website.
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