Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus Taylor has launched the Federal Government’s $50million Smart Cities and Suburbs Program.

“I’m delighted to launch this exciting new program to support the rollout of technology and data solutions for local communities,” Assistant Minister Taylor said during last Friday's launch.

“This is not just for metropolitan areas, good ideas come from everywhere and we welcome applications from across Australia.”

The Assistant Minister opened IPWEA’s 3rd International Street Lighting + Smart Controls Conference by speaking about his government’s Smart Cities Agenda, announced in April last year.

“It is an incredibly exciting time to be focused on ourcities, because our cities are the engine of our economy,” he told delegates.

The Federal Government is co-investing in innovative projects that apply smart technology, data-driven decision making and people-focused design.

Eligible organisations – which include local governments, private companies, not for profits and research organisations – can apply for grants of between $100,000 and $5million to fund up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Applications are open from 17 March until 30 June 2017.

“We’re looking for communities of all sizes and from all locations to put forward technology proposals that solve everyday urban or regional problems, and have the potential to be scaled up and delivered nationwide,” the Assistant Minister said.

A wide range of projects is expected to be developed such as app-based detection of infrastructure wear and tear, traffic sensors, smart street lighting, or computer generated programs that support local services.

The Smart Cities and Suburbs Program is supported by the Future Ready incubation series, assisting councils to build smart cities know-how.

Assistant Minister Taylor said Future Ready was a break from the traditional grants program.

“It’s a stepping stone toward the soon to be launched Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, and it will nurture ideas at a local level, ahead of Federal funding for the best technology projects.”

Future Ready has been welcomed bylocalgovernment.

“At Logan City Council, we have acknowledged we must think differently in the digital economy – changing processes, taking risks and learning from the private sector. We are looking forward to sharing what Logan is doing in the smart cities space for the Future Ready series and using innovative technology to better manage our city,” said Logan City Mayor Luke Smith.

Future Ready events will run between May and September 2017 with collaborative activities and project incubation continuing beyond the formal program. Registrations open from today.

To find out more, visit https://cities.dpmc.gov.au/future-ready

For more information and to download a copy of the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program guidelines, visit business.gov.au