Global nod for Geelong innovation

GEELONG has won global recognition as a Smart City through an international award.

The City of Greater Geelong was one of three winners of the overseas smart city award winners at last week’s World Smart City Expo in Korea, alongside Barcelona City from Spain and Mashhad Municipality from Iran.

The Seoul expo gathered leaders in municipal government from across the world to discuss new strategies and technologies for cities to adapt to modern demands.

COGG earned commendation for its flagship Smarter Suburbs project, which aims to improve digital connectivity, and create foundations for further innovation in the city and its industries.

Initiatives such as fibre installation to the Bellarine, statistics sharing platform Geelong Data Exchange, community microclimate project Weather Together and a tree information sharing program Urban Forest Dashboard are among the projects part of Geelong’s smart city push.

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said the award was the product of joint efforts from the council, businesses, educators and other levels of government.

“Greater Geelong is an innovative, pioneering city and we are proud to have a place on the world stage to highlight the way we’re using smart technology and digital innovation,”
Cr Murrihy said.

“Geelong is seen as a leading Smart City that’s investing in its future through smart technology, open data and innovation.”

Innovative solutions deputy chair, Cr Sarah Mansfield, said the award acknowledged progress under the city’s strategic frameworks.

“Smart City projects are all about making a difference to our community and environment. We’re using smart sensors to help protect native wildlife and sharing data on more than 165,000 trees we manage through our new Urban Forest Dashboard.”

“These events are really important for sharing our achievements and being inspired by smart city initiatives from across the globe.”