Smart City

What is a Smart City? 

A Smart City to Casey is a city that puts its community first, adjusting to serve them and their growing needs. It applies digital technology, data and innovative practices to improve liveability, sustainability, collaboration and economic opportunities..

What is the Smart Casey Launchpad and how was it developed?

The Smart Casey Launchpad refers to City of Casey’s Smart City program, which utilises new ideas to drive Smart City action by creating a space for community members, partners and businesses to innovate together so we can collectively shape and launch ideas that meet the changing needs of our community.

The City of Casey actively engaged with the community in developing the Smart Casey Launchpad. During 2020, we engaged with Casey residents, local businesses, partner organisations and employees through several online workshops and surveys to understand the smart city priorities across the community. A general public survey was launched with 187 respondents; and 10 consultations were held across the general community, business community, Casey contractors and suppliers, sustainability sector, community service organisations, start-ups and tech companies and smart city vendors. There were in total close to 155 attendants.  

In addition, we consulted with staff and students across six entities within the Casey education sector, as well as the Smart City Advisory Committee which consisted of 12 smart city leaders from the community. We also have a community reference group that meets on a quarterly basis to share their insights and contribute to the implementation of the Smart Casey Launchpad.

The Smart Casey Launchpad was endorsed by Council’s Executive Leadership Team in early December 2020.

What are Smart Cities in relation to UN Sustainability Development Goals?

The Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities is about making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. The United Nations website provides more information on the goals, targets and indicators of Goal 11.

What is ‘Plan Melbourne’? 

The State Government’s metropolitan planning strategy, Plan Melbourne, establishes a commitment to delivering 20-minute neighbourhoods throughout Melbourne.

What are 20-minute neighbourhoods about? 

20-minute neighbourhoods are part of the Victorian Government’s long-term planning strategy. They are all about ‘living locally’ and enabling people to meet most of their daily needs within a 20-minute return walk from home. More information can be found on the Plan Melbourne 2017 – 2050 website.

Are 20-minute neighbourhoods about restricting citizen movements? 

20-minute neighbourhoods are about giving people the option to live locally by having the ability to access most of their daily needs – like shops, schools and parks – within a 20-minute walk, cycle or public transport journey from home. It is not about limiting people’s movement, but about improving opportunities to access local services. 20-minute neighbourhoods are a long-term aspirational vision for metropolitan Melbourne which will evolve over time.

Are 20-minute neighbourhoods about restricting or reducing car ownership? 

The 20-minute city concept, and the Smart Casey Launchpad, are not focused on restricting car ownership. Instead, we aim to reduce road congestion and greenhouse emissions by bringing essential services closer to people. We remain committed to provide innovative solutions for the overall well-being of our community.

Does Council monitor the movements of vehicles? For example, vehicles that move in and out of the local government area? 

The City of Casey does not monitor the movement of vehicles in, out or around the municipality. We monitor occupancy of car parks, and we use cameras to assess how vehicles navigate certain intersections with the view to improved road safety, but we can't and don't track vehicles as they enter, exit or way-find through the area.

Does the City of Casey have the authority to stop 5G tower installations or otherwise regulate 5G technology? 

In Victoria, local government does not have authority to regulate 5G technology. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPNSA) is the commonwealth agency responsible for protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.  

Victorian legislation, the Radiation Act 2005, provides regulation for the management and use of licences which must comply with codes of practice.  

The roll out of 5G technology is being managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).  

In some instances, a planning permit is required for new towers or tower upgrades, if they are not exempt from the notice requirements of the Casey Planning Scheme the applications will be advertised and the public are able to make submissions.