China sequel for council
After recent visit, Darwin council bosses eye Shenzhen return in March
DARWIN council’s expedition of China is not quite finished yet, after a number of council staff visited Shenzhen at the start of the month.
It is understood there are also “preliminary talks” for a second China trip in March which would see Darwin council’s Smart Cities project leader continue discussions started by Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis on a recent trip.
DARWIN council’s expedition of China is not quite finished yet, after a number of council staff visited Shenzhen at the start of the month.
The Sunday Territorian can report there are “preliminary talks” for a second China trip in March which would see Darwin general manager of innovation, growth and development and Smart Cities project leader Josh Sattler head to China to continue discussions started by Mr Sattler, Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis and chief executive Scott Waters on their week-long trip to Shenzhen in November and December.
Mr Sattler said he is looking forward to collaborating and sharing knowledge and data with Shenzhen for the continued digitisation of the two cities.
“It’d be strictly about sharing info about the smart city platform – Shenzhen has been voted smartest city in China recently,” he said.
“They’re easily 15 years ahead of what we’re going to do. The idea is not to make mistakes they’ve already made and learn from each other.
“Having cities of that size, 23 million people, offering to share know- ledge with us, it’s awesome.”
Mr Sattler will be heading to China after he was invited for a second trip and said the relationship that had been forged was already a positive one.
“We didn’t think we’d have an invitation so quickly but the door was open wide when we were over there so we have to take an opportunity like that when it presents,” he said.
“The sincerity in the relationship we had existing is a great opportunity and really exciting opportunity looking forward for Darwin – that’s something I hadn’t dealt with before in mayoral delegations.”
It’s a favour that may be returned shortly.
“We are looking at a reciprocal, inviting them back in June after the Smart Cities project has been implemented in Darwin,” Mr Sattler said.
Other details, including the duration, cost, itinerary and other attendees of the trip are yet to be confirmed.