The long term lifestyle and identity of regional communities hinges on investment in ‘smart infrastructure’.
Robert Prestipino, Director of Australia’s first ‘place-based enterprise’ consultancy, Vital Places, said the sustainability of the many towns
and communities within Queensland’s new Regional Councils needed to be secured by a strategic approach to infrastructure investment.
“Smart infrastructure is localised infrastructure,” he said. “These are place-based projects that ignite business activity and social diversity by focusing on the unique culture, character and environmental attributes of each township.”
The advantages of place-based enterprise thinking have been embraced by the newly formed Goondiwindi Regional Council.
Goondiwindi Mayor, Graeme Scheu, said this approach has helped simplify the complexities of the planning process.
“The place-based approach has given us all the steps to work through in a logical order,” Councillor Scheu said. “It has clearly communicated what we need to do, and what we need to focus on for the future, and made the whole process straightforward. Every planning step is in place and easy for Council to follow.”
Robert Prestipino said the issues were different across the Regional Council areas, and the challenge is to ensure that all local communities continue to grow without feeling they are losing their identity and the lifestyle they cherish.
“In a nutshell it’s about making places better for people and business,” Robert said.
Vital Places has recently released a white paper on Smart Infrastructure for Regional Communities. You can download your free copy at www.vitalplaces.com.au
*Copy supplied by Vital Places
