New ideas to make our suburbs and towns better places to live could become reality with the Federal Government committing $22 million to support local governments to solve local problems.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said applications were now open for round two of the government highly-successful Smart Cities and Suburbs Program.
“Funding is open to all towns, not just our capitals, with 40 per cent of successful projects from round one located in regional areas, including in Far North Queensland,” Mr Entsch said.
“Only last month I saw first-hand the benefits of this program after Cairns Regional Council were successful in obtaining $827,894 in funding for its high-tech water monitoring project.
“This impressive project includes the installation of up to 30 water-monitoring sensors that will deliver real-time data on levels of nutrients, sediments and other contaminants that may be carried out to sea.
“The data collected will help plan and improve stormwater infrastructure and water treatment processes to ensure urban water run-off is not harming the reef or its marine life.
“The world heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world, which contributes billions of dollars to the Australian economy – this project will help protect it.”
Federal Urban Infrastructure and Cities Minister Paul Fletcher said round one of this program was making a big impact.
He said 49 projects were funded across a wide range of technologies and applications.
“We are kicking off round two with $22 million of funding available to support innovative smart technology solutions to improve liveability in our cities and regional centres,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The government is committed to building better cities, and local governments are encouraged to make submissions that deliver innovative, technology-based approaches to improve the liveability and increase the productivity and sustainability of Australia’s cities, suburbs and towns.
Applications for Round Two of the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program close on July 2.
For further information on the Federal Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program visit: https://cities.infrastructure.gov.au/smart-cities-program
