A plan to elevate Footscray CBD to a ‘Smart City’ is about to commence following a grant of $400,000 from the Federal Government.
The ‘Footscray Smart City for Social Cohesion Project’ is a joint scheme between Victoria University and Maribyrnong Council. Its objective is to use data analysis and smart technology to upgrade the community’s quality of life while also driving environmental improvements and economic growth.
The project, which is set to begin soon, will provide a number of integrated smart technologies within a period of two years. It is expected the innovations will be well publicised through the media, and the council. Flyer printing services can be used to help relay information to the community.
Smart technology key elements include real time information (safety alerts, public transport, weather, traffic, etc.) secured and transmitted live, smart environmental monitoring which can lead to better air quality, and smart places and spaces to include leisure-based digital interactivity, smart lighting, touch screens and free Wi-Fi.
Maribyrnong Mayor Martin Zakharov said the innovation and technology of a Smart City is delivering great value and expanding possibilities for communities and cities worldwide adding:
“Together with our friends at VU, we have developed this exciting project to help to modernise our services and infrastructure and promote innovation in our community.”
The creation of a Social Cohesion Platform is also part of the project, with the aim to leverage open data that can inform city planning, enhance public experiences and catalyse ongoing innovation.