The third annual Smart Cities Awards have recently been presented by the Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand.
“This year’s winners have played key roles in the national advancement of smart cities across Australia and New Zealand, while also leading a digitally-enabled and data-driven recovery from COVID-19,” said Smart Cities Council’s Executive Director Adam Beck.
The winners include:
- City of Darwin – Policy Leadership Award – implemented a privacy framework that applies global privacy best practice and engaged with privacy specialists to establish trusted, transparent relationships with the community;
- Moreton Bay Regional Council – Data Leadership Award – using artificial intelligence to improve its service and expediency when responding to customers who report matters to the city council;
- Lake Macquarie City Council – Future of Place Award – uses high-tech sensors and other smart infrastructure to provide immediate, constant condition reports specific to each beach in the area;
- City of Casey – The Impact Award – Direct Care Workers – the workers are in regular contact with almost 4000 people over the age of 70 who needed help in using technology to keep in touch, especially during the pandemic. The Digital Activation Program organized the loans of devices, remote phone support, and provided tutoring in digital skills;
- City of Canterbury Bankstown – SDG Action Award – Closing the Loop – using AI and machine learning to detect and drive down waste contamination;
- City of Parramatta – LEADERSHIP CITY – this award recognises local government organisations demonstrating liveability, workability, and sustainability outcomes for their citizens from investment in technology and data solutions. Projects include a sensing network to monitor temperature, air quality, noise and stormwater run-off; The Parramatta CBD Parking Finder; and Floodsmart Parramatta which features an automated, real time flash flood warning system; and,
- Smart Cities Leaders: Nicole Stephensen of Ground Up Consulting; Mayor Teresa Harding of the City of Ipswich; Claire Chaikin-Bryan of the Lake Macquarie City Council; and Sean Audain of the Wellington City Council.