Parramatta has received global recognition for its smart city credentials.
Considered Sydney’s second city, Parramatta has been listed as one of the world’s top 21 smart cities – the only Australian jurisdiction named among 20 other communities from nine countries across the globe.
The 21 communities were recognised through smart initiatives and projects across six core themes: connectivity, employment, innovation, engagement, digital inclusion, and sustainability.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said the accolade is proof Greater Western Sydney’s economic capital is emerging as a global city in the eyes of the world. “Parramatta has entered a new era of global transformation and we’re laying the foundation to create a more connected city that unlocks a world of opportunities for our community now and in the future.”
Last year, council launched a Smart City and Innovation Strategy – a 10-year plan to enhance connectivity and innovation across the city. The strategy appears to be bearing fruit.
“We’re attracting leading educational institutions and businesses to the heart of Parramatta and our state-of-the-art facilities including PHIVE and PAC have won multiple awards both locally and internationally,” Zaiter said.
The 21 smart cities of 2025 are:
- Alcobendas, Spain
- Assaí, Paraná, Brazil
- Bilbao, Spain
- Brightlands-Limburg, The Netherlands
- Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, Türkiye
- Chiayi County, Taiwan
- Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Durham Region, Ontario, Canada
- Fairfield/Jefferson County, Iowa, USA
- Grey County, Ontario, Canada
- Hilliard, Ohio, USA
- Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Türkiye
- Langley City, British Columbia, Canada
- Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain
- Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
- Pingtung County, Taiwan
- Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
- Reykjavík, Iceland
- Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Spain
- Warner Robins, Georgia, USA
The annual list is compiled by global think tank Intelligent Community Forum. ICF executive director Matthew Owen said the list recognises the hard work and innovative efforts of the communities involved.
“The emergence of intelligent communities worldwide demonstrates the universal appeal of our message that any place a person calls home can become a liveable, sustainable, and prosperous community,” Owen said. “Parramatta has done just that and earned its place among the global list of intelligent communities.”
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