The City of Parramatta has been recognised as Australia's leading Smart City for 2020 following the rollout of a host of innovative projects and technological solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council took out the coveted 'Leadership City' category at the third annual Smart Cities Awards, presented by the Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand.
More than 20 Local Government Areas were in the running for the award, which recognises organisations that demonstrate world-leading liveability, workability and sustainability outcomes for their citizens from investment in technology and data solutions.
"Parramatta is not only the centre of global Sydney, but it is at the forefront of innovation in Australia and New Zealand," City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.
"What an honour it is to for Council to be recognised for its commitment to creating a smarter, future-focused City. I thank the Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand for this award and our incredible staff who continue to put our community first."
The award stemmed from four initiatives delivered by Council, all of which were finalists across two categories:
- Smart Planning at Melrose Park. This project - funded by the Federal Government's Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, in partnership with PAYCE and UTS - involved the installation of a network of environmental sensors to help improve the area's liveability in the long term and inform future planning.
- Parramatta CBD Parking Finder, which was enhanced in 2020 with real-time updates on business operating hours, services, and special offers in response to COVID-19.
- Australia's first automated real-time flash flood warning system, FloodSmart.
- Australia's first interactive digital storytelling box, Storybox, in Parramatta Square, led by ESEM Projects in collaboration with ABC Content Ideas Lab.
Council's smart city vision is guided by the Smart City Advisory Committee, including long-time chair Councillor Steven Issa and Councillor Sameer Pandey.
"Our population is on track to double in 20 years and we need to be smart about how we manage this rapid, transformative growth," Cr Issa said.
"Council is investing in game-changing technology to help create the best possible City for our residents, workers, students and visitors for decades to come."
In August 2015, Parramatta became the first local government in NSW to adopt a Smart City Masterplan to better position the City to meet the challenges of the future.
