We’re a step closer to achieving our Smart City goals thanks to the City’s endorsement of a 15-year agreement to access 24 kilometres of optical fibre from Corio to East Geelong.
The City has entered a contract with not-for-profit organisation, AARNet, to install and utilise a high-speed optical fibre network which will form the backbone of the Smart City initiative and provide community facilities and public spaces with access to ultra-high-speed internet.
The contract, endorsed by Councillors at this week’s council meeting, is a critical part of the Smarter Suburbs project to address “gaps” in digital access and affordability in the northern suburbs, enabling the delivery of fast, free public Wi-Fi and an enhanced broadband service, expected to be available to the public in mid-2022.
This is a component of a larger project to run fibre between Lara and Waurn Ponds and is an extension to the already approved Bellarine fibre contract.
The delivery of high-quality optical fibre is an important way we are preparing our City for technological advancements which rely on high-speed internet and data processing capabilities.
The City’s smart sensor network will also rely on the infrastructure to enable more smart services from environmental monitoring to smart lighting.
The Smarter Suburbs: Activation of Public Wi-Fi and Enhanced Broadband Services Project was critical to reducing the internet-access gap across the northern community and addressing disadvantage.
The AARNet agreement for fibre installation is needed to deliver an Enhanced Broadband Network and Free Public Wi-Fi for Geelong.
Christine Couzens – Geelong MP
It is great to see that areas across Geelong will have access to a world-class free Wi-Fi and Enhanced Broadband network.
The Victorian Government’s $1.8 million investment through the Connecting Regional Communities Program will deliver opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors in the state’s second biggest city to help it thrive.
Connectivity is so important to ensure everyone has access to participate online and this project is a great step forward in ensuring that Geelong’s economy continues to grow.
Councillor Trent Sullivan – Deputy Mayor
Addressing the technology gap across Greater Geelong is among the most important projects we can undertake to support local residents of all ages.
The City and state had previously identified the benefits of public Wi-Fi to bridge the divide across the community.
However, the last two years of home schooling, working from home and lockdowns, when many people of all ages relied on digital communication to stay in touch with friends and family, has further reinforced the importance of internet access.
The City of Greater Geelong would like to thank the State Government for its support to progress this initiative.
Councillor Peter Murrihy – Innovative Solutions portfolio chair
Council is pleased to endorse the optical fibre contract. I look forward to the project commencement.
Smarter Suburbs is a key project to help realise our community-led 30-year Clever and Creative Future vision and Our Community Plan’s strategic priority to build a healthy, caring and inclusive community.
