Adelaide has been selected to host the 2017 Australian Smart Communities Summit, which will bring together national and international leaders at the forefront of smart community technologies.
Australian Smart Communities Association (ASCA) president Michael Whereat said the Summit was an opportunity for smart communities, local government authorities, suppliers and service providers to discuss how Australians can live happier, healthier and safer through the application of smart technologies.
“Delegates will be able to see and hear about how Adelaide is a ‘living laboratory’ and how it’s trialling new smart city products and services. The 2017 Summit will also highlight smart city case studies which are relevant and applicable to communities across Australia, such as Adelaide’s deployments in smart parking, energy and lighting management,” Mr Whereat said.
“With the Federal Government’s focus on smart city initiatives through its Smart Cities Plan, now is the time for Australian cities to take advantage of the social and economic benefits that smart technologies can offer.”
Lord Mayor of Adelaide Martin Haese welcomed the announcement, saying the city’s vibrant backdrop of creativity and innovation perfectly placed Adelaide to host the Summit in April 2017.
“Adelaide City Council is delivering against an ambitious agenda that will not only position Adelaide as a truly smart city but also reduce carbon emissions as we work towards becoming the world’s first carbon neutral city. We look forward to welcoming delegates to Adelaide for what promises to be an informative, enjoyable and memorable event,” he said.
Acting Science and Information Economy Minister Susan Close said Adelaide was fast emerging as Australia’s leading smart city.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the Australian Smart Communities Summit and share our experience,” Dr Close said.
“The South Australian Government remains focused on establishing Adelaide as a dynamic and liveable smart city underpinned by entrepreneurialism and innovation that will grow the industries and jobs of the future.
“For example, the Adelaide Gig City Program will connect businesses within our key innovation precincts with extremely fast broadband speeds, up to 100 times the national average, that will enable data intensive uses such as high definition video conferencing, image processing, simulation and big data analytics.
“This will help make Adelaide the most connected place in Australia and the default location for businesses to grow their ideas.”
ASCA’s inaugural Summit, held on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in March 2016, attracted 160 delegates, sponsors and exhibitors. It showcased technologies, case studies and presentations from thought leaders representing leading technology, telecommunications and infrastructure providers, as well as local government, universities and key research organisations.
