TECHNOLOGY
IT ’ S EASY TO think that anything ‘ smart ’ – such as smartphones , smart watches and smart fridges – are only so because of the technology that powers them . The same thing could be said about a smart city .
The reality is that these smart devices focus on people . They all enable humans to do more and while the technology plays a big part in that , it doesn ’ t define them .
A smart city might use technology to its advantage but it ’ s the people-first approach that will make our cities truly smart , and this is the ethos behind Australia ’ s Smart City programme .
Smart cities are ones that serve the people and utilise technology to keep things running as efficiently as possible . Australia has implemented a smart cities plan that will see city centres and surrounding areas become smarter than ever with investment into infrastructure and beyond .
We spoke to Assistant Minister for Cities , Angus Taylor about Australia ’ s smart city programme and how it might transform the places in which we work and live . He says : “ Australian smart cities are taking a people-first approach to designing and delivering responsive public
“ In Western Sydney , around 200,000 people leave the region each day for work , a number that is forecast to grow to 340,000 by 2041 ”
– Angus Taylor , Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation
14 February 2017