Newcastle is forging into the future with plans to deploy digital technology for movement around the city, as part of the Smart Move Newcastle project.
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The project, part of council’s Smart City vision, has had a boost from the Australian Government in the form of $5 million that will be purposed towards integrating digital technology through vehicles and infrastructure in the city.
The plan will also include multi-modal transport systems, and is believed to yield energy efficiency gains, and the move has been embraced by local government.
“Council is grateful for this funding and the Australian Government's recognition of our leadership in realising a smart city,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said. “Just 52 of 176 applicants received funding under the Smart Cities and Suburbs allocations, and our success is a credit to the smart city strategy.”
“Following NSW Government backing last year for the Hunter Innovation Project, the latest grant confirms Newcastle's transformation into a smart, liveable and sustainable city underpinned by a services-led knowledge economy.”
In addition to the $5 million contribution, Newcastle City Council together with partners – including Keolis Downer, the University of Newcastle, Eighteen04, CSIRO and RDA Hunter – will contribute $10 million.
Private transport operator Keolis Downer’s contribution comes in the form of a small, autonomous bus to be trialed the University of Newcastle, with the test-run aiming to expand to the rest of the city as well.
Keolis Downer’s head of growth, innovation and partnerships, Jonathan Myers, said the driverless bus could be a French-built Navya or a Local Motors Olli vehicle with about 14 seats. It would run around the university’s Callaghan campus picking up students and staff.
“There’s still a way to go in terms of legislation and regulation, so we’ll probably start on the university campus. I think that’s what’s envisaged,” Mr Myers said.
“It would be in a non-public environment, but with people and other things going on, and then as the technology’s proven and the legislation and regulation is developed, we envisage it could be employed as a shuttle on Hunter Street.
“It could be on the foreshore, Honeysuckle Drive, and not just as a technology stunt. The idea is to have a proper use case.”
The funding announcement follows the NSW Government's $10 million commitment to the $17.8m Hunter Innovation Project (HIP) in September last year.