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Bunbury’s prosperity now just a click away: Digital city plans

Ailish DelaneyBunbury Herald
Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan with city CEO Mal Osborne and director strategy and organisational performance Dave Chandler at the digital city breakfast event.
Camera IconBunbury Mayor Gary Brennan with city CEO Mal Osborne and director strategy and organisational performance Dave Chandler at the digital city breakfast event. Credit: Ailish Delaney / South Western Times

Bunbury City Council is dreaming big, with aspirations of becoming the State’s first digital city — plans for which were detailed last week.

City of Bunbury director of strategy and organisational performance Dave Chandler said they were seeking the State Government to commit to accelerated investment in Bunbury as the State’s second city and first regional digital city through six key initiatives.

Firstly, a university campus and international student accommodation hub for postgraduate and research degrees to connect researchers to the industry.

Secondly, to become the Australian centre of applied digital healthcare by taking experts in healthcare research and co-locating them.

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He also proposed an autonomous trackless tram link between Bunbury and Busselton as a world-first for regional connectivity, and advanced heavy and light manufacturing technology precincts to attract future industries.

The other initiatives included renewable and alternate energy production and storage to fuel industry opportunities with affordable energy and an alternate west coast submarine cable landing and regional technology hub.

Dr Chandler said the digital city strategy was a multi-pillared opportunity for prosperity through innovation.

He said it was not about Bunbury becoming a smart city with technology, but becoming a vibrant hub for innovation.

“Why can’t businesses host their call centres in Sydney here if the connection is strong enough?” he asked.

We want to enable people to work where they choose to live ... Bunbury has an amazing economic base ... an amazing enviable lifestyle.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said there was an aspiration for Bunbury to become the centre of Australia for a digital focus.

“There’s an obligation on the council to bring the community along for future generations,” Mr Brennan said.

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