Wollongong’s smart city vision has progressed with the introduction of new initiatives, bringing the city closer to other technological powerhouses around the world.
Every smart traffic light and Wi-Fi hotspot in Wollongong lies behind a developing web of sensors and data, a digital nervous system capable of redefining the way the city lives, flows, and breathes.
By combining community-driven leadership with progressive technological investment, Wollongong has been laying the groundwork to become one of Australia’s top smart cities.
PhD student Marc Levingston, researching smart infrastructure and data science, said the city is on a promising path, although it still has work to do.
“A smart city uses technology and data not just for the sake of being ‘modern,’ but to genuinely improve how the city functions, making life easier, safer, and more sustainable for its residents,” Mr Levingston said.
“Wollongong is definitely on the path. It’s not quite Singapore or Sydney yet, but the ambition is there.”
Current smart city efforts include digital planning tools, smart parking infrastructure, public Wi-Fi in key areas, and real-time transport monitoring.
According to Levingston, behind these changes is a growing backbone of critical data infrastructure, including Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, 5G connectivity, and integrated analytics platforms.
However, as smart technologies become increasingly embedded in public life, privacy concerns are on the rise.
“Just because data is collected in public doesn’t mean it’s fair game. People need to know what’s being collected, why, and how it’s protected,” he said.
Wollongong City Councillor Jess Whittaker said that transparency, governance, and early policy development are essential factors, particularly in addressing emerging threats such as AI and cybersecurity.
“Good governance is key. Our staff see cybersecurity as one of the biggest threats to the organisation, and they take it very seriously,” Whittaker said.
“We’re also starting discussions about having an AI policy to guide responsible innovation.”
Whittaker believes the city’s partnerships with institutions like the University of Wollongong are needed to accelerate its smart city goals.
“The community wants the university to be more involved, and so do we. Strong relationships like that will help us grow faster and smarter,” she said.
Mr Levingston said Wollongong’s size is an advantage.
“Smaller cities can be more agile. They have fewer legacy systems, and community feedback loops are tighter, which means they can test and adapt quicker,” he said.
“With good partnerships, like with UOW and local industry, Wollongong is definitely on the right path.”
With significant developments underway in places like Warrawong and strong public demand for sustainability, both Whittaker and Levingston see Wollongong as a city on the rise.
