Have your say to make the Central Highlands ‘smarter’

Central Highlands Regional Council is asking people to have their say on its draft smart community framework.

Mayor Kerry Hayes said the framework is all about embracing the digital world and smart technology in what council does to improve liveability, economy and connectivity in the region.

‘All levels of government have embraced the smart concept and include technology to make places and spaces more efficient, interactive and make use of the large amount of data available,’ Mayor Hayes said.

‘Council is in the process of developing a smart community strategy and as a first step, we’ve drafted a framework.

‘By completing the survey, people have the chance to rate the importance of the components in the framework and put forward ideas on how the Central Highlands should embrace smart technology.’

Mayor Hayes said the smart concept may sound abstract and therefore, council is hosting a smart communities’ workshop for people who’d like to know more on 11 April 2019. Time and location will be advised on council’s website closer to the date.

‘Everything is smart these days, we use smart phones, smart appliances and TV’s and embrace smart learning environments,’ he said.

‘We have a few examples of smart technology in the region already, including sensor streetlights and public fitness equipment that links to a smartphone.

‘Other smart community hacks may be things such as wi-fi in public spaces, using technology in times of disaster and more.

‘It can really be anything in the community that can be made better through use of technology – so we’re looking forward to hearing many ideas.’

View the draft framework and complete the online survey on haveyoursay.chrc.qld.gov.au before 18 April 2019.