MOUNT Gambier city council officials met with Federal Government Ministers and key advisers in Canberra last week to discuss proposed digital projects for the city.
A Flinders University New Venture Institute (NVI) business incubator and technology requirements for the Mount Gambier Reuse Market were discussed as part of council’s Smart Cities grant application.
Mayor Andrew Lee and CEO Mark McShane were supported by Member for Barker Tony Pasin and attended meetings with small business minister Hon Michael McCormack MP, cities and digital transformation assistant minister Hon Angus Taylor MP and senior adviser to Senator Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO, Geoff Mason.
“The meetings provided a valuable opportunity to reinforce Mount Gambier’s position as a key regional capital in South Australia,” Mr Lee said.
“Our transitioning economy would benefit from the establishment of a business incubator to support small business start-ups and the digital economy.”
The meetings follow council’s ongoing discussions with the Department of State Development regarding Mount Gambier’s connection to high speed internet – planned for 2018 as part of stage two of the GigCity rollout.
$500,000 has been earmarked to facilitate the extension of high speed optic fibre (AARNet) from UniSA to the Mount Gambier CBD.
The State Government has committed $150,000 for infrastructure costs and council has committed $100,000 to the proposed project.
“An innovation hub will use the superior connectivity to nurture ideas and talent in the STEM space to build local capabilities and capacities in emerging technology enabled enterprises,” Mr Lee said.
“Council has worked closely with the NVI to determine a suitable location, prepare concept plans and support the development of stakeholder networks.”
The NVI applied for further financial support for the project through the Federal Government’s AusIndustry Incubator Initiative.
A decision is expected to be made within the next month.
“Of course there are no promises, but we had the opportunity to reiterate why this project should go ahead and we have a strong case,” Mr Lee said.
“One clear message we received was that should the application not be successful, comprehensive feedback will be provided to add weight to a revised application in the future.”
The civic leaders discussed council’s Smart Cities grant application for the Mount Gambier Reuse Market to become a pilot site for technological and environmental waste applications.
“We are seeking a contribution of about $390,000 from the Federal Government to incorporate a smart technology ecosystem into the facility including CCTV and video analytics, bin fill level sensors and the management of onsite bins, inventory management systems to intelligently manage stock, LED smart lighting and WiFi network,” Mr Lee said.
Mr Pasin said it was a pleasure to collaborate with the city’s civic leaders to promote Mount Gambier on the national stage.
“It was a pleasure to have the CEO and Mayor of Mount Gambier in Canberra to meet with minister’s about council’s plans for the region,” he said.
“My colleagues in Federal Government hear from me about the wonderful Limestone Coast region and its potential but it was great to arrange meetings where ministers could hear from local government in person about how we can work together to drive economic growth.”
Mount Gambier was also represented by GIJ Academy’s James Morrison and the student big band who performed at Parliament House.
“Their performance was a highlight of the visit,” Mr Lee said.
“The event was well attended by many Federal Politicians and advisers, providing another great opportunity to promote Mount Gambier.”
