The Federal Government has announced $22 million in funding is available under Round Two of the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program. 

Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said local governments were encouraged to make submissions that deliver innovative, technology-based approaches to improve liveability and increase productivity and sustainability.

“Funding is open to all cities, not just our capitals, with 40% of successful projects from Round One located in regional areas,” he said. 

Some changes to the Program Guidelines for Round Two have been made based on stakeholder feedback and lessons from Round One. These changes include:

• Requirement for local government bodies to be lead applicants
• An increase of the minimum grant amount to $250,000, with a co-contribution of at least 50% of the total project costs
• Streamlining the guidelines related to innovation to ensure that projects go beyond business as usual and provide smart technology solutions to community challenges.

More information on the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program is available here.