Image: Chris Phutully/flickr
The federal government has announced that local governments can apply for up to $5 million in funding to support smart technology projects for their communities.
Applying councils will be able to tap into the federal government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, valued at $50 million, which was just opened by Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, Angus Taylor.
The Smart Cities and Suburbs Program is supported by the Future Ready incubation series assisting councils to build smart cities know-how.
Mr Taylor said he was “delighted” to launch this “exciting” new program to support the rollout of technology and data solutions for local communities.
“This is not just for metropolitan areas, good ideas come from everywhere and we welcome applications from across Australia,” Mr Taylor said.
The Federal Government is co-investing in innovative projects that apply smart technology, data-driven decision making and people-focused design.
“We’re looking for communities of all sizes and from all locations to put forward technology proposals that solve everyday urban or regional problems, and have the potential to be scaled up and delivered nationwide,” Mr Taylor said.
According to the federal government, a wide range of projects are expected to be developed such as app-based detection of infrastructure wear and tear, traffic sensors, smart street lighting, or computer generated programs that support local services.
Eligible organisations – local governments, private companies, not for profits and research organisations – can apply for grants of between $100,000 and $5 million to fund up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
Applications are open from 17 March until 30 June 2017.
