Free Wi-Fi in the city, citizen mobile solutions and smart parking technologies are just a few of the plans outlined in Adelaide City Council’s recently released Digital Strategy 2012–16 ‘Connect Adelaide’.
Council has so far committed $1.8 million to activate the Digital Strategy to enable people living, working, studying and visiting Adelaide to access up-to-date, high-speed digital technologies and initiatives in the city.
The National Broadband Network roll-out in Adelaide and North Adelaide is due for completion by the end of 2015, and Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said he wants to make sure everyone has the chance to access it.
“We’re currently voted one of the best places in the world to live, and we want to keep our reputation, and being at the forefront of digital technology is one way of helping ensure this.
“Late last year we put the Digital Strategy out for public consultation, and we’ve really listened to people’s responses and included their ideas where we could, to help ensure our city’s digital future and livability rating.”
One element of the strategy, the Innovation Lab at the Grote Street Library, is already up and running.
The initiative offers the community the chance to explore, see, touch and share new technologies that are at the forefront of global technologies, such as the 3D printer, in a social learning environment.
Also at the Grote Street Library is the Digital Hub, which provides a range of digital literacy courses to people of all abilities in the community.
The Hub, which opened in January with the assistance of Federal Government funding, has provided more than 180 free training sessions to local community members and businesses across a range of areas including computer use, the Internet and other online technologies.
Digital Hub Coordinator Katherine Shaw said the Hub had been very popular.
“It’s great to see so many people taking advantage of these free courses.
“It shows us that people from broad ranging backgrounds are really embracing technology and preparing for the future.”
Council’s strategy also covers smart parking technology to provide flexible payment options and to investigate real-time parking information to create a better parking experience for those driving into the city.
Real time updates including interactive digital maps and directions, digital displays, sensors to analyse people’s movement in the city, live city event broadcasts, and enhanced CCTV are also part of the strategy.
The Digital Strategy is available to view online at www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/digital-strategy
