NBN Co today announced a collaboration with Urbis and Delos Delta that aims to position the major and boutique developers of the Australian residential property industry at the pinnacle of 'smart' community development.

The three companies will develop a blueprint for best practice, drawing on global research and insights, case studies, and feedback from key industry stakeholders before releasing a nationally significant and industry-leading prospectus: 'Accelerating Smarter Development for Australia' early in 2025.

Kamie Ang, General Manager Partnerships, New Developments at NBN Co, said:

"While there is a fair appreciation of smart tech opportunities within new developments, many developers and decision-makers are not clear about the ROI of such investment, and how to prioritise relative to other options.

"There is often tension and misalignment between the smart tech aspirations, the directives of the relevant planning authorities and developers themselves. In both cases, there is a tendency for smart tech investment to either fall by the wayside during planning or not realise full value after deployment. Tech and telecommunications are not just another utility to be connected."

The Accelerating Smarter Development for Australia prospectus will identify high-value opportunities for smart technology in various developments, providing developers, builders, place-makers, community members and policy-makers a platform to engage with smart city and smart community ideas and practical solutions.

The project will be supported by leading academic Professor Chris Pettit, Director of the City Futures Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, as a member of the Steering Committee.

Various industry bodies, including the Australian Smart Communities Association, the Urban Development Institute of Australia, the Planning Institute of Australia, and The Property Council of Australia, will also participate in the Reference Group.

Professor Chris Pettit, Director of the City Futures Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, said:

"I look forward to contributing to the Accelerating Smarter Development for Australia prospectus. I believe it marks an important step forward in the interaction between smart community experts and developers across Australia. I am pleased that NBN Co is providing the leadership in bringing together industry, academia, and the development sector experts to share expertise and develop the most impactful prospectus for developers and place-makers nationwide."

Clare Brown, Urbis Partner and Director, said:

"There tends to be a perception that smart community and smart city development is prohibitively complex or difficult. We look forward to lending our expertise and experience to break down this idea and make smart community development more approachable for place-makers nationwide. A stronger sense of opportunity, coupled with clear and practical advice, will ensure the Accelerating Smarter Development for Australia prospectus contributes meaningfully to improved urban outcomes."

NBN Co and its project partners welcome the involvement and participation of all interested parties. A series of engagements will occur digitally and in person across Australia.

• Melbourne: Thursday 10th October 2024
• Canberra: Tuesday 15th October 2024
• Perth: Wednesday 23rd October 2024
• Brisbane: Tuesday 29th October 2024
• Sydney: Wednesday 6th November 2024
  
  

Register for the in-person workshops.

For more information, please contact: Andrew Nilon, Project Manager andrewnilon@delosdelta.com