Image: James Cridland.
The name Parramatta in most circles does not invoke the association with leading edge high technology, but the oldest inland European settlement in Australia is set to become a Smart City and is seeking community feedback to guide the rollout.
Located 23 km west of Sydney CBD, Parramatta City Council adopted a Smart City Masterplan in August 2015 to guide the integration of leading-edge technology and future town planning designs in new developments across the City, including the $2 billion Parramatta Square project.
Now, the City is encouraging its citizens to have their say on what digital initiatives they would like to see by participating in its first Smart City survey.
Designed as a benchmarking tool, the survey seeks to gauge public interest in new services and to guide the ongoing development of City of Parramatta’s Digital City and Smart City strategies.
“Creating a Smart City that improves access and liveability for residents and visitors is at the forefront of our plan to build Australia’s next great city. We want to hear from the community about what they would like Council to prioritise as part of our Smart City strategy,” City of Parramatta Administrator Amanda Chadwick said.
“Among the questions we’re asking is ‘which new tech-services should be prioritised to make Parramatta more liveable?’ and ‘how could technology best enhance your city experience?’
“A Smart City is one that listens to its community and caters to their needs and what they would like to see achieved in their city. I encourage people to complete the survey and play their part in helping Parramatta become a globally recognised Smart City.”
Survey responses will be used to develop the City’s annual Smart City Smart People report to guide future planning and to scope public perception of the City’s capacity to be transformed into a place of major trade and innovation.
The community survey reflects the Council’s aim to work collaboratively to solve the City’s challenges. Its Smart City campaign was launched back in 2009 to look at ways to introduce new digital initiatives in the local public sphere.
The campaign evolved into ParraConnect, a partnership with the community to develop and deliver these initiatives. Some of the projects that have been launched include free Wi-Fi in libraries, mobile CCT coverage and a mobile phone parking app.
