Bathurst has been identified as one of seven key emerging innovation precincts across NSW in a report by the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council (IPC).

The research report, titled NSW Innovation Precincts: Lessons from International experience, lists Bathurst alongside Wagga Wagga, Wollongong, Macquarie Park (Sydney), Ultimo (Sydney), Newcastle and Armidale as the state’s innovation leaders.

It’s a significant achievement. It is not only fitting recognition of the work currently under way to make Bathurst a smart city, but will also act as a promotional tool to encourage further investment in the region.

And as one of only three centres west of the Great Dividing Range included on the list, Bathurst is well placed to benefit as companies inevitably look outside of the Sydney basin for more affordable expansion opportunities.

But this has not happened by accident. Bathurst Regional Council has worked hard in recent years to boost our smart city credentials, supported by a number of forward-thinking industry representatives.

The IPC report lists Charles Sturt University’s CenWest Innovate program, Reliance Bank’s Gunther’s Lane development and the Upstairs business incubator as examples of local organisations that have excelled in the fields of innovation, but there are plenty more.

The report also points to the 60 educational providers within the Bathurst region as evidence of a culture of innovation – even without pointing out that education is the region’s largest employer.

For its part, council is developing its first Smart City Plan and in 2019 – in conjunction with its industry partners – will roll out a number of smart city initiatives including a free wi-fi network within the CBD, closed circuit television in the centre of town, additional electric vehicle charging stations and smart-enabled LED street lighting.

But perhaps the most significant project is the development of a second racing circuit at Mount Panorama which will, over time, include its own motor racing innovation and development hub.

Major motoring marques have already indicated an interest in relocating their research and development teams to Bathurst if the hub comes together, creating hundreds of local jobs and further recession-proofing our economy. Now that’s smart thinking.