Mallee councils trial Internet of Things technology

Mallee councils trial Internet of Things technology

Published on 29 November 2021

Four Mallee councils have joined forces to trial Internet of Things (IoT) technology to inform decision-making and improve operational efficiencies.

Gannawarra Shire Council, Buloke Shire Council, Mildura Rural City Council and Swan Hill Rural City Council are participating in the 12-month Smart Cities project, which runs until June 2022.

The trial will utilise sensors that capture data about how different assets and sites are used. This valuable information will help participating councils better plan for the provision of services, over time to cater for growth or decline in usage.

Mildura Rural City Council is leading the project, which is enabled through State Government funding, Mildura Regional Development and includes research partnerships with La Trobe University and Sunraysia Institute of TAFE

Forty-six trial devices will be installed across the four council areas. Some of the devices include:

People counters to determine both how many people and when public facilities are being used such as playgrounds and public toilets Water depth sensors to determine usage in pumping stations Public litter bin sensors to alert when bins require emptying Soil moisture monitoring to inform the watering of public ovals

As part of Gannawarra Shire Council’s participation in the project, a library of smart sensors will provide real-time management of the pumps within Kerang’s Wyndham Pump Station.

“Major rainfall events that have occurred around late spring and early summer during the past five years have shown the importance of knowing how our stormwater network is managing, and these sensors will assist with this process,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

Sensors will also be installed outside the amenities at Atkinson Park, Kerang (pictured) in early 2022 to provide a better understanding of how this area is utilised.

“One three-dimensional, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning sensor will focus on the Atkinson Park car park, whilst two infrared and heat sensors will measure how frequently the public toilets are utilised,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“Real-time data collected will be used to inform services management and future asset planning.”

Signage, where required, will be installed notifying the public that usage statistics are being logged. No personally identifiable data will be captured during the trial.

The project is made possible through the State Government Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions’ Regional Digital Plan and funding through the Local Government IOT Starter Kit Project.

For more details and information, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/IoT