Residents Fear Loss of Privacy and Surveillance with Cessnock’s Smart City Proposal

Cessnock Council’s Smart City Plan Faces Scrutiny from Independent Councillors

The Cessnock City Council’s smart city plan is facing scrutiny from independent councillors who have voiced concerns about the potential cost and impact on the community. The plan, which aims to leverage technology to improve the quality of life for residents and promote economic growth, has drawn comparisons to similar initiatives in cities like Oxford in the UK.

Independent councillors have raised concerns about the cost of implementing smart city technologies and the potential impact on privacy and data security. Councillor Jessica Jurd has called for more transparency around the plan, stating that “we need to be clear about what this is going to cost and what it really means for residents.” Other councillors have expressed concern about the potential impact on vulnerable populations, particularly those who may not have access to or benefit from smart city technologies.

In addition to these concerns, local residents are planning to show up at tonights council meeting to voice their opposition to the smart city plan. Some residents have expressed concern that the plan may lead to increased surveillance, loss of privacy and freedom of passage, while others have questioned the need for expensive new technologies when the council could focus on more basic infrastructure needs.

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