SCCANZ welcomes City Partnerships proposal

A commitment from the Federal Opposition to introduce a City Partnerships program has been welcomed by the Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand (SCCANZ).

The council believes that a proposed refresh of the Opposition’s National Urban Policy to acknowledge the role of technology and data could make the difference between Australia building good cities or great cities.

The City Partnerships program would be tied to a refreshed National Urban Policy, under the stewardship of a renewed Major Cities Unit within Infrastructure Australia.

“This announcement today recognises the critical role that smart technology can play in the ongoing productivity, sustainability and livability of our communities,” said Adam Beck, Executive Director of SCCANZ.

“Acknowledging the connection between comprehensive urban policy, infrastructure investment and sustainability is key to Australia’s future productivity, and then by embracing technology and data to further ignite these outcomes is an exciting proposition.

“SCCANZ members are providing the critical advice, solutions and infrastructure to digitally enable Australia’s economy and its communities, and they continue to create technology and data solutions that accelerate livability, workability and sustainability outcomes in Australia.

“SCCANZ welcomes the continued bipartisan support of a cities agenda in Australia and today’s announcement by the Opposition presents a significant opportunity to ensure our cities are future ready.

“In a paper released by SCCANZ in late 2017 we advocated for a City Deals framework that catalyses smart cities investment, and today’s announcement helps realise that approach.

“We look forward to continuing our advocacy work on promoting Australia’s investment in smart cities solutions so that it remains a global leader in livability and innovation.”

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

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