BATHURST’S growing reputation as a “smart city” has been confirmed by its inclusion as one of seven emerging innovation precincts across NSW.
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The NSW Innovation and Productivity Council (IPC) recently released a research report titled NSW Innovation Precincts: Lessons from International experience which lists Bathurst alongside Wagga Wagga, Wollongong, Macquarie Park (Sydney), Ultimo (Sydney), Newcastle and Armidale as the state’s key innovation centres.
Bathurst has been specifically identified as an emerging digital technology precinct, according to a report to councillors by Bathurst Regional Council environmental planning and building services director Neil Southorn.
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Mr Southorn says Bathurst’s inclusion on the list will bring the region national recognition as a centre of innovation and encourage further local investment and economic growth.
“The (IPC) report identifies that an Innovation Precinct has the potential to provide significant benefits to the NSW economy,” Mr Southorn states in the report.
“These place-based concentrations of businesses, knowledge-intensive institutions and entrepreneurs are an important component of the innovation economy, helping to attract talent, and building on the opportunities of their sectors and locations.
“Successful innovation precincts make a significant contribution to the economy and are more resilient to economic downturns.
“The clustering of industries in innovation precincts facilitates collaboration, knowledge flows and knowledge spillovers between industry, researchers and entrepreneurs, which plays a critical role in increased levels of innovation, particularly for new ventures.”
The IPC report lists a number of Bathurst initiatives that have boosted its standing as a smart city. They include:
- Bathurst’s role as a centre of innovation for the local communications and digital technology industries, with CenWest Innovate (Charles Sturt University) providing business accelerator training support.
- The presence of 60 educational providers and strong community and business involvement in innovation.
- The creation of the industry-led Gunther’s Lane (Reliance Bank) experimental technology hub that includes everything from robotics to the latest gaming software to inspire local innovations.
- The Upstairs business incubator providing locals and students access to a shared workspace, mentoring, training, and the opportunity to pitch their new business ideas.
“Council is currently developing Bathurst’s very first Smart City Plan, and has recognised the region’s potential to become a national leader in Smart City development,” Mr Southorn said.
“In 2019, council and its industry partners will roll out a number of smart city initiatives including a CBD free wi-fi network, CCTV, additional electric vehicle charging stations and smart-enabled LED street lighting.”
