Rockhampton Riverside park to receive smart upgrade

Rockhampton Regional Council is continuing works to enhance the overall experience of the Queensland city’s Riverside with the roll-out of free Wi-Fi, smart lighting, and CCTV cameras along Victoria Parade footpath and throughout Col Brown Park.

Rockhampton Deputy Mayor Cherie Rutherford said the roll-out is Stage 3E of Council’s successful Smart Technology project, stating “this stage is a continuance of the work we have completed previously. It will extend the Smart Technology infrastructure along Victoria Parade - from where it currently finishes at the Archer Street roundabout - and into Col Brown Park.”

The Smart Technology being installed includes 27 LED lights on 21 light poles; 10 CCTV cameras; and eight Access Points providing fast, reliable, and free public Wi-Fi.

Stage 3E of the Smart Technology project is funded through $450,000 from round three of the Australian Government’s Safer Communities grant program, and a $260,000 contribution from Council. The roll-out is expected to be complete by mid-2020.

Mayor Rutherford stated “the Smart Technology project is part of Council’s broader Smart Way Forward Strategy, which uses technology to build on the strengths of the Rockhampton Region to grow the economy and improve liveability.

“We have already seen what a success this project has been throughout the Riverside Precinct and CBD in making our public spaces more usable and more enjoyable, as well as making our city more attractive to business and tourists.”

Rockhampton Councillor Drew Wickerson said that this continuation of the Smart Technology infrastructure will improve an already enjoyable area, adding “the area is a very popular place for people to go for a jog or take a stroll, and this will make it even safer and more enjoyable day and night.”

Councillor Wickerson and Mayor Rutherford at Col Brown Park.