A motion that Bendigo applies to become a regional inland pilot site for the federal government’s Smart Cities program was carried at last Wednesday's council meeting. 

If its application is successful, the city could attract millions of dollars worth of government and industry investment, as well as new infrastructure.

Discovery Science and Technology Centre general manager Jonathan Ridnell said any move to make Bendigo a Smart City had to be inclusive of the whole community, especially those people who were experiencing hardship.  

"Everyone knows there's different layers of advantage in Bendigo, and there are some parts that really need a leg up," he said.  

"Poverty, homelessness and education are all platforms that need to be solid to give somebody a good chance of a good future."

Mr Ridnell, who described the Smart Cities concept as an “exciting” opportunity, said he was confident making Bendigo an innovation hub would not mean struggling residents were overlooked. 

"I think there's enough community leaders that are committed to a fair go for all," he said. 

“If we fail, it won’t be for want of trying.” 

He said innovation and reducing social disadvantage were not mutually exclusive ideas, and teaching students to think creatively and use problem solving skills could help attain both goals. 

The Discovery Centre was able to offer Bendigo students that type of learning, Mr Ridnell said.   

Another person to be won over by the Smart Cities bid is Bendigo entrepreneur and 2016 council contender, Brenton Johnson.

The Eppalock ward candidate said he would back Bendigo’s push to pilot the Safe Cities plan if elected this October, and fostering innovation would see people better off.  

He said crowdsourcing platforms like Uber and Airbnb were already providing people with another means of moneymaking.

“A pensioner with a spare room can now turn that room into something that gives her an extra income,” he said.  

“She can go out, spend some time with her friends, have a coffee.” 

But the greatest reward would be reaped from having locals develop their own digital platforms, keeping revenue on Australian shores, he said. 

“A lot of money is being pulled out of our local communities and if we don't have innovative regional areas, that will continue.” 

While Mr Johnson conceded digital development in Bendigo would see a rise in the need for highly-educated professionals, he also explained better digital innovation could give people more power to to participate in their community.  

“Even people with very low levels of education, they can still get on a smartphone, they can still engage digitally,” he said, saying highly-educated people with poor digital skills may be among those who find it most difficult to adjust.