On Wednesday, 2 November 2016, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle city councils welcomed delegates from the Global Smart City and Community Coalition to discuss innovation and smart cities in the Hunter region.
Lake Macquarie Council’s Manager Integrated Planning, Sharon Pope, said the Global Smart City and Community Coalition, led by the Dutch Government, is interested in establishing long-term relationships between smart cities.
“As part of the Smart City Summit being hosted by the Australian Smart Communities Association, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle city councils had the opportunity to host the smart city delegation to share local insights on smart city initiatives,” Sharon said.
“This is an opportunity for both councils to meet representatives from cities with advanced smart city programs, such as the cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, to exchange ideas and build relationships.”
At the Smart City Summit in Sydney on Thursday 3 November, Lake Macquarie City Council and the Global Smart City and Community Coalition formally established an ongoing relationship when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen of The Netherlands, to open communication and coordinate shared learning between both parties.
“The signing of the MoU signifies another step forward in the implementation of the Lake Mac Smart City, Smart Council Digital Economy Strategy 2016-20 adopted earlier this year,” Sharon continued.
“The MoU between Council and the Global Smart City and Community Coalition will extend this visit into a long-term relationship that allows information sharing into the future, and will assist us to achieve strategic actions outlined in the Strategy.”
The MoU details the terms and understandings between Council and the Global Smart City and Community Coalition to pursue mutual interests in the sharing of information.
Lake Macquarie Mayor, Cr Kay Fraser, said the MOU would give the council access to cities and thought leaders at the cutting edge of smart-city technology around the world.
“Like all flourishing smart cities, Lake Macquarie is constantly on the lookout for new ways of doing things that will help us deliver sustainable economic development and urban planning, enhance wellbeing and generally make our city a great place to live and work,” she said.
The Lake Mac Smart City, Smart Council Digital Economy Strategy 2016-20 sets out the long-term vision for creating a more connected, innovative and resilient City.
The Dutch trade mission is part of celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of explorer Dirk Hartog’s landing on the west coast of Australia.
IMAGE | Representatives from Lake Macquarie and Newcastle city councils with the smart city delegation.
