Launceston to be transformed into smart city

Launceston will be transformed into a leading Australian smart city through a new $3.5 million collaboration between the federal, Tasmanian and local governments, the University of Tasmania and Telstra.

The Greater Launceston Transformation Project (PDF) will seek to use advanced connectivity technology and new 3D virtual city modelling tools to transform city planning processes and develop a community co-designed innovation hub.

Under the initiative, Launceston will be a primary test site for emerging 5G mobile communications technologies and be an early recipient of Telstra's planned full 5G rollout.

Telstra will also provide the city with full access to a local narrowband IoT network to connect devices such as parking bay sensors, vehicle tracking, agricultural equipment and smart home technologies.

The partners will also establish a new Technology and Innovation Centre of Excellence that will support initiatives including a Tasmanian Agritech Start-up Accelerator Program. Macquarie House will meanwhile be transformed into a multi-use space for business collaboration and events.

Telstra will also use the centre to roll out its Telstra Energy and Telstra Health platforms in Tasmania and provide $20,000 in sponsorship for activities and events that support the development of new products and technologies. Telstra staff will also provide one hour per month to mentor and support Tasmanian IT and innovation companies.

By including the participation of federal, state and local government, the initiative aligns with the Australian Smart Communities Association's (ASCA) recent call for all levels of government to collaborate on a nationwide smart city strategy.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/sdecoret

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