Melbourne hosts summit showcasing smart city tech

A summit showcasing smart city technology and innovation takes place in Melbourne later this month.

Hosted by not-for-profit organisation the Australian Smart Communities Association, the Australian Smart Communities Summit attracts representatives from government and industry to explore the latest trends, technologies and strategies shaping communities.

“As Australia’s only not-for-profit association dedicated to advocating on behalf of governments for smart communities in Australia we are proud to be presenting this series of events which will showcase the work of our members from across Australia,” ASCA president Bruce Marshall said.

Smart cities use sensors, software, and other devices to collect data from citizens, buildings, devices, and cameras. This information can be used to monitor and control systems like transportation networks.

A number of Australian cities – such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – are increasingly incorporating advanced technologies to improve urban living.

Among the speakers presenting during the three-day event:

• Bonnie Shaw – chief innovator in residence at the Municipal Association Victoria
• Adam Mowlam – manager smart cities for City of Greater Geelong
• Tiffany Crawford – co-director climate change and city resilience for the City of Melbourne
• Khoo Teng Chye – from the National University of Singapore.

“This summit is focused on showcasing the great work that is happening on the ground across Australia and further afield,” said Marshall.

City of Melbourne lord mayor Nick Reece said Victoria’s capital was a good fit to host this year’s event. “Melbourne is known as an innovative city, proactively seeking out leading data and expertise to improve the experience for everyone who visits, lives and works in the city.”

He added: “From local sensors monitoring how people use our parks, roads and footpaths to innovation challenges and free Wi-Fi, there’s nowhere more inspiring to host this summit.”

The smart cities summit takes place at various Melbourne venues between 27-29 November.