Have your say on the draft Smart Places Strategic Framework
Published on 16 November 2023
The Hills Shire Council has unveiled a plan poised to guide the rollout of smart technologies within The Hills. The creation of Smart Places can have a tangible impact on the lives of people who live, work and play in an area, as well as economic productivity and environmental sustainability.
The draft Smart Places Strategic Framework, currently on public exhibition, presents a long-term strategy to stimulate innovation, tackle urban challenges, attract investment and improve the overall liveability of the region by implementing technology into the urban environment.
The evolution of The Hills into a Smart Place is already well underway. High quality digital infrastructure is present across much of the Shire and there are many examples of new and exciting initiatives being implemented throughout The Hills using evolving technologies and systems. Some examples of these existing initiatives include:
- Flood warning systems on some bridges
- Remote access to Council sporting facilities
- Solar panels at Council’s Administration Building
- Electric vehicle charging stations at the Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre
- Water level sensors in some dams
- Free public Wi-Fi in major retail centres
- Facilitating the submission of forms, payments and applications online
- Increased utilisation of QR Codes
The draft Framework seeks to build on the success of these initiatives and aims to establish and communicate a strategic direction for the continued transformation of the Shire into a Smart Place. It is intended to facilitate further discussion, collaboration, investigation, decision-making and action by stakeholders.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said the draft Framework demonstrates Council’s support for fostering innovation and driving economic benefits for the Shire.
“Becoming a Smart Place is the way of the future,” Mayor Gangemi said.
“This Framework provides a basis for considering how technologies can be responsibly incorporated into our public areas to enhance them and make these spaces even better.
“We are encouraging innovation through technology that can be used to increase resilience and safety during natural disasters while encouraging the uptake of energy-efficient technologies to help our local environment thrive.
“The draft Framework also explores how technologies can better support the local economy, making commercial areas more attractive for businesses to set up shop here.
“I’m really proud of this document, and I encourage residents, businesses, industry groups and other interested stakeholders to take a look and provide feedback.”
The draft Framework flags potential opportunities and sets some clear decision-making principles that will assist consideration of future initiatives. These include smart lighting, additional CCTV, night-time wayfinding systems and incorporating innovative technology into street furniture, such as outdoor benches that allow visitors to charge their devices while enjoying public areas.
The draft Framework complements the recently exhibited draft Precinct Plans for Norwest, Rouse Hill, and Castle Hill Strategic Centres, Council’s Draft Public Domain Strategy and Council’s recently adopted Economic Growth Plan.
Residents and stakeholders are invited to ‘have their say’ on the draft Smart Places Strategic Framework via Council’s website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and by searching ‘Draft Smart Places Strategic Framework’.
The draft Smart Places Strategic Framework will remain on exhibition until Monday 11 December 2023.