Lake Macquarie City Council has laid the foundation for creating a more connected, innovative and resilient city, with the adoption of the Lake Mac Smart City, Smart Council Digital Economy Strategy.

Council’s Manager Integrated Planning, Sharon Pope, said the strategy identifies 18 initiatives that will help boost the local economy, improve Council’s performance, and ultimately enhance the lifestyle of residents.

“Through consultation with local businesses, selected government agencies and the community, we have identified ways to embrace smart infrastructure technologies and address the demands of an increasingly digitally literate community,” Sharon said.

As part of the Strategy, Council will be using video content when publishing Council news, is investigating the use of solar-powered mobile device recharging benches at parks, has introduced smart meters and solar panels at community facilities and is supporting Dantia’s co-working space.

Other initiatives identified in the Strategy include rolling out free Wi-Fi in Council operated spaces, developing an online tool to improve community access to property flood information and conditions, implementing smart infrastructure and smart systems and investigating options for replacing Council’s ageing mobile library.

“Council does not hold all the answers and this Strategy is a call for action for business, government and the community to work together to build a Smart City,” Sharon said.

Lake Macquarie has been featured in the Australian Smart Communities Association’s guide, Concepts and Considerations for the Future of Smart Communities, which recognises some of the best examples of Smart Community thinking in Australia and New Zealand.

“It is fantastic to be featured for smart community leadership, for our collaborative approach to preparing the Strategy.”

“Council consulted extensively with the community as part of this Strategy and received 300 ideas on how the use of digital technology could make Lake Macquarie an even better place for everyone.”

The Australian Smart Communities Association defines smart community leadership as proactive engagement of the community to make the best choices in growing the local economy, promoting a sense of place through enhancing liveability and selecting the right tools to do this.

You can view the Strategy online.