Ballarat has been recognised as one of the world’s smartest communities for a second time by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF).

 

The announcement means that Ballarat is now one of 21 finalists from around the world who are displaying excellence in postiging their communities for the future broadband based economy.

 

The ICF annually recognises global cities for their efforts to face and flourish in the future challenges of the broadband economy.

 

City of Ballarat, Chief Executive Officer Anthony Schinck said “this is the second time that Ballarat has been acknowledged as a smart community. Ballarat was also in the top 21 in 2010”.

 

“We are a part of a special and unique group of Australian cities who have been recognised in this way” said Mr Schinck”.

 

“Ballarat has built on its unique strengths to position itself as the premier high tech and knowledge based regional economy in Australia”.

 

“Ballarat’s strong adoption of broadband and ICT had also helped in the delivery of the NBN rollout to Ballarat well ahead of many other areas”.