Launceston will take a leap into the future as the nation’s leading smart city with the roll out of a $3.5 million Australian first collaboration of State, Federal, Local Government, University of Tasmania and Telstra project.
Called the Greater Launceston Transformation Project it will cover the greater Launceston area and uses the latest connective technology and new 3D virtual city modelling tools to transform city planning processes, deliver better educational outcomes and develop a community co-designed innovation hub.
The Project will make the region a fully-connected, tech-ready centre which is open and ready for business.
Importantly, this partnership will ensure Launceston is a primary test site for emerging 5G technologies, placing the region firmly on the map as a first-comer for full Telstra 5G rollout.
Additionally, Launceston will now also have full access to a local Telstra NarrowBand IoT (Internet of Things) network allowing everyday devices as well as a growing range of home, commercial and industrial equipment, to be connected.
The NB-IoT is one of the growing platforms for connecting with devices and appliances locally, be it parking bay sensors, vehicle tracking, agricultural equipment, or even for turning on your air conditioner remotely.
The project will also establish a new Technology and Innovation Centre of Excellence, making Launceston one of only five Telstra Customer Insight Centres in the world.
This will support the establishment a range of capabilities including:
- A Tasmanian Agritech Start-up Accelerator Program which will focus on improving the efficiency and production of agriculture such as with hyper local weather stations across farms, moisture measuring and soil monitoring;
- Create a flagship technology approach for Macquarie House which will become a multi-use space for business collaboration and events;
- The rollout of Telstra Energy and Telstra Health platforms in Tasmania, as well as the development of other new products and technologies;
- Telstra will provide $20,000 in sponsorship for activities and events that support the development of new products and technologies; and
- Telstra staff will provide one–hour per month to mentor and support Tasmanian IT and innovation companies.
With this level of technology, connectivity and innovation based in Launceston, the possibilities for the region are endless.
I congratulate all project partners on sharing and developing this bold vision for Launceston.
*The Greater Launceston Transformation Project is supported by the Launceston City Deal - project partners include the Australian and State Governments, the Launceston, West Tamar, Meander Valley and George Town councils, the University of Tasmania and Telstra.
More Media Releases from Michael Ferguson
More Media Releases from the Minister for Information Technology and Innovation