The Hills Shire Council has unveiled a plan to guide the rollout of smart technologies within The Hills. The draft Smart Places Strategic Framework, currently on public exhibition, presents a long-term strategy to stimulate innovation, tackle urban challenges, attract investment and improve the overall liveability of the region by implementing technology into the urban environment.
The evolution of The Hills into a Smart Place is already well underway, including:
- Flood warning systems on some bridges
- Remote access to Council sporting facilities
- Solar panels at Council’s Administration Building
- Electric vehicle charging stations at the Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre
- Water level sensors in some dams
- Free public Wi-Fi in major retail centres
- Facilitating the submission of forms, payments and applications online
- Increased utilisation of QR Codes
The draft Framework flags potential opportunities and sets some clear decisionmaking principles that will assist consideration of future initiatives. These include smart lighting, additional CCTV, night-time wayfinding systems and incorporating innovative technology into street furniture, such as outdoor benches that allow visitors to charge their devices while enjoying public areas.
The draft Framework complements the recently exhibited draft Precinct Plans for Norwest, Rouse Hill, and Castle Hill Strategic Centres, Council’s Draft Public Domain Strategy and Council’s recently adopted Economic Growth Plan.
Residents and stakeholders are invited to ‘have their say’ on the draft Smart Places Strategic Framework via Council’s website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and by searching ‘Draft Smart Places Strategic Framework’.
The draft Smart Places Strategic Framework will remain on exhibition until Monday 11 December 2023.