10 February 2017

Ipswich has been recognised as a global leader in the application of digital innovation to advance community prosperity and liveability after being named among the world’s Top 7 Intelligent Communities at a conference in Taiwan.

Mayor Paul Pisasale said the prestigious accolade was recognition of Ipswich’s ability to think global and act local, embrace digital technology and adapt to change.

“Ipswich is once again recognised as one of the Top 7 Intelligent Communities of the world as assessed by the New York based smart cities think tank, the Intelligent Communities Forum (ICF),” Cr Pisasale said.

“The City of Ipswich has chosen to lead an economic and social transformation agenda by educating citizens, fostering innovation and enabling new ways of working and living.

“We’ve been working hard to unlock the social and economic opportunities digital technology presents through the advancement of our Ipswich Smart City Program and this award reinforces that we are leading the way.

“We have developed a Smart City Program which takes a human-centred design approach, focusing on the needs of our community, industry, support services and visitors.

“The Ipswich Smart City Program is tenaciously focused on advancing jobs, growth and liveability for Ipswich and Queensland, as one of Australia’s fastest growing cities; we have a unique opportunity to define our future prosperity.

“The industries that have driven economic growth in our city for the past 100 years will not be where the opportunities for prosperity are in the future, so it’s essential we take steps now to keep Ipswich ahead of the game.

“One of our most significant on-the-ground successes to date has been Fire Station 101, which officially opened in March 2016 as the first fully council-funded innovation hub in Australia.

“In 2015 there were five recognised startups in Ipswich and now we have 75 startups developing a range of commercial opportunities and creating jobs.

“Council also recently signed an agreement with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, which will see Ipswich be the location of Australia’s largest trial of co-operative intelligent transport systems technology including real-world trialling and large-scale deployment.

“And we are the first council in Australia to have presented three major public spaces as testbeds for Smart City technology and platforms allowing new solutions and opportunities to be implemented, assessed and potentially scaled in quick time.
“We are driving an entrepreneurial mindset in Ipswich, especially among our city’s youth, going beyond delivering digital technology to create a truly connected community, full of ideas, energy and innovation.

“Together we are co-creating a city that is safer, healthier, more connected and more prosperous.”
Ipswich’s recognition among the Top 7 Intelligent Communities puts it in the running to be named the Intelligent Community of the Year for 2017 in June.

Congratulations to everyone and thank you for your support to the city as we have again made the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) Top 7.

Technology alone does not make a city 'smart' It takes a connected, engaged community that leverages available technology to make their home the best it can be. We're a proud city embracing economic, educational and cultural opportunities while continuing to adapt to face the challenges of the future.

Paul Pisasale
Mayor - City of Ipswich
(07) 3810 6601
[email protected]

Paul Hodgson
Economic Development Manager
(07) 3810 6627
[email protected]

Office of Economic Development,
Ipswich City Council