Four Mallee councils have joined forces to trial Internet of Things (IoT) technology to inform decision-making, reduce costs and improve operational efficiencies.
Mildura, Buloke, Gannawarra and Swan Hill councils are participating in the 12-month Smart Cities project, which runs until June 2022. Councils will decide in January 2023 if they want to continue using these devices.
The trial will see a network of various physical objects embedded with sensors that capture data about how different assets and sites are used. This valuable information will help participating councils provide community services and better plan for growth.
So what is 'Smart Cities'?
A Smart City refers to the use of digital technology to collect data that can be used to manage assets and resources efficiently.
Smart Cities can help create more liveable cities, without compromising the well-being of the community. They are innovative in their use of digital solutions to manage services and infrastructure effectively, improve the wellbeing of the community and the environment, and to create a vibrant local economy.
What is being trialed here?
People - Smart Movement Sensors
We have setup a library of smart counting sensors that will soon be used to give us a better understanding of the usage of public toilets within the township of Donald.
The four public toilet locations within Donald will use nine infrared and heat sensors. These sensors will count the number of people who are using the facilities through sensing the heat entering and exiting the building. This will help Buloke to measure how frequently these public toilets are used, and will help us to ensure that the public toilets kept clean, through periods of high demand.
Real-time data and insights collected from the sensors will be used to inform services management and future asset planning.
Airplanes - Smart Movement Sensors
We have setup a smart counting sensor that will soon be used to give us a better understanding of the usage of airport located within the township.
The airport is currently unmanned and is located on Jeffcott Road, Donald. We will use two three-dimensional imagery, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) sensors.
Real-time data and insights collected from the sensors will be used to inform services management and future asset planning.
IoT (Internet of Things) LoRaWAN Network
We have installed one LoRaWAN network at the Donald Council Office to provide connection for the township sensors and access for the community to the network.
For more information on the project, contact 1300 520 520.