Leadership and Good Governance - Reports

6.2

Ordinary Meeting - 20 July 2016

SMART CITIES PLAN - SUBMISSION BY THE CITY OF GREATER

BENDIGO

Document Information
Author

Bridget Maplestone, Strategic Planner

Responsible
Director

Prue Mansfield, Director Planning and Development

Summary/Purpose
This report provides a copy of the City of Greater Bendigo submission into the Federal
Governments Smart Cities Plan and seeks endorsement of that submission. The Smart
Cities Plan was released on 29 April 2016 and required submissions to be forwarded to
the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet by 24 June 2016. The short
consultation period did not allow for a submission to be prepared in time to be placed on
an earlier Council agenda. The development of the submission has been informed by
input from relevant City staff.
The submission outlines why the City of Greater Bendigo is ideally placed to be used as
a regional pilot for a City Deal as part of the Smart Cities Plan. A City Deal is about
identifying local infrastructure investment opportunities to be funded by government and
industry, which would in turn deliver productivity improvements and jobs growth, thereby
creating benefits from this investment. The submission does not identify a single
infrastructure project.
The City has demonstrated its credentials in delivering on projects which require
investment from all levels of government as well as corporate philanthropy. This
submission outlines how a short term investment in infrastructure in the city will pay clear
dividends in the medium to long term.
The submission also supports the submission being provided by the Bendigo Business
Council.
Policy Context
Council Plan Reference:
Leadership and Good Governance
1.3 Contribute to policy and strategy development being led by government and other
agencies.
Background Information
On the 29 April 2016 the Smart Cities Plan was released by the Federal Government.

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The Smart Cities Plan provides an overview of a variety of issues facing Australian Cities
today including jobs, housing, the environment, investing in infrastructure and smart
technology.
One aspect of the Smart Cities Plan is the need to plan for the future of regional cities.
This includes supporting their long term growth.
A submission (attached) was drafted with input from relevant City staff and responds to
the Smart Cities Plan outlining why the City would be well placed for investment from the
plan.
Report
The submission supports the release of a Smart Cities Plan. It sees the opportunities
which can be realised through idea generation and collaboration with government, the
community and the private sector.
The Smart Cities Plan outlines some of the key challenges and opportunities facing
Australia. This includes around jobs, housing, transport, green urban spaces and human
capital.
The Plan then talks about building the cities of tomorrow through smart policy. One of
the options presented is delivering City Deals A City Deal is tailored to an individual
city and is about working collaboratively between government, industry and communities
to maximise funding for local infrastructure to deliver productivity improvements and jobs
growth.
The submission outlines a number of reasons why the City is well placed to be used as
an inland regional pilot project to benefit from a City Deal. The submission outlines the
Citys ability to work effectively with all levels of government and private enterprise to
deliver on key projects and initiatives. The submission then provides an overview of
some of the innovative projects and policy undertaken by the City in recent years.
Priority/Importance:
There is the potential for significant investment as part of this plan. While no investment
has been currently allocated to the City, should investment be earmarked this would
allow Council to progress its infrastructure priorities.
Options/Alternatives:
The Council has the option of endorsing the submission or amending it.
Consultation/Communication
Internal Consultation:
Internal consultation from staff with particular interests and responsibility related to future
planning.

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Conclusion
It is important for the City to advocate for investment in infrastructure at Federal and
State level. By providing a submission outlining its credentials into the Smart Cities Plan
it is encouraging investment.
Attachments
1.

The City of Greater Bendigo submission to the Smart Cities Plan.

RECOMMENDATION
That the Greater Bendigo City Council resolve to endorse the submission to the Smart
Cities Plan.

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