Queensland’s Sunshine Coast officially leads the nation with three top gongs in the inaugural Australian Smart Cities Awards.
Sunshine Coast Council was recognised for its commitment to data sharing solutions, investment in technology, outstanding leadership and its 15 MW utility-scale solar farm.
The Sunshine Coast Solar Farm was the first to be constructed by a local government in Australia. It offsets more than 100 per cent of the council’s total electricity use.
Sunshine Coast shines for ‘world-leading liveability’
Sunshine Coast Council took out the top Leadership City Award for its ‘Smart City Implementation Plan – not rhetoric’. The plan includes a range of initiatives to boost efficiency and sustainability across the shire.
The award recognises Council’s use of smart bins and water meters along with sensors to monitor parking, wildlife and waterways. The Council’s Smart Centre has welcomed more than 2,500 visitors since 2016.
Council’s Smart Region Management Platform also collected a highly commended award. The platform receives data from sensors, street lights and Wi-Fi access points. As a result it manages service delivery in real time.
The Leadership City Award celebrates local governments showing ‘world-leading liveability, workability and sustainable outcomes’.
Regional and government leadership stands out
Sunshine Coast Council also won the Regional Leadership Award for its work in building regional business opportunities, protecting natural resources and enhancing lifestyle.
The Sunshine Coast Solar Farm is the largest in South East Queensland. It’s on track to save ratepayers $22 million over the next three decades. It will also reduce carbon emissions by 25,000 tonnes a year.
This is the first local government in Australia to offset electricity use across its entire operations with a large-scale solar farm.
Sunshine Coast Council’s Smart City Coordinator Michael Whereat also snagged the Smart Cities Leader – Government Award. And the Smart Region Management Platform won a highly commended award to complete the picture.
Australian local governments opt for sustainability
Meanwhile, local governments across the nation are pushing ahead with a range of renewable energy initiatives.
The Cities Power Partnership already has more than 100 council members. These represent around 45 per cent of the Australian population.
The Climate Council venture aims to reduce carbon emissions and ease the local government transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy like solar power and battery storage.
