Intelligent sensing network enhances safety, provides 24hr monitoring

Published on 11 July 2023

An intelligent local sensing network, known as the Baw Baw Information Network (BBIN), has been installed throughout remote locations across the Shire to deliver 24-hour monitoring of environmental conditions and enhance community safety.

Funded by a $192,000 grant from Emergency Management Victoria’s Risk and Resilience Grants Program, the network comprises 7 state-of-the-art Attentis sensors installed at strategic locations in Neerim South, Erica, Noojee, Piedmont, Toorongo Falls, Thomson Dam and Mt Baw Baw Alpine village.

Using real-time inputs, the sensors can detect hot spots, changes in temperature, wind and other factors to provide early warning and risk identification of critical natural events such as bushfires and floods.

Data collected by each sensor includes:

BBIN monitoring information is free and available to all members of the public in real-time at www.bawbaw.network.

“Baw Baw Shire is one of the most beautiful regions in Victoria,” says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe. “The reality is that some of the features that make it so beautiful – our lush forests, scenic mountains and plunging valleys – can be susceptible to extreme weather events like bushfires and floods. As a Council we are committed to protecting our beautiful region and the communities that call it home. Enhancing early warning systems and our overall resilience to extreme weather events and natural disasters is a key component of our strategy. We would like to thank and acknowledge the Victorian Government for supporting this project to keep our region and its people safe.”

“The Baw Baw Information Network is truly cutting-edge,” says Deputy Mayor Michael Leaney, a person who is no stranger to the extreme weather events and bushfires in the remote areas of the Shire. “The intelligent real-time sensing data it provides will be a game-changing contribution to how we detect and prepare for extreme events in Baw Baw. Ultimately, when used by the emergency services in conjunction with other intelligence sources, it will help to enhance public safety, contribute to quicker responses and provide valuable timely information.”

The BBIN is a project of Baw Baw Shire Council in conjunction with local emergency services and with support from Emergency Management Victoria and Attentis.

For more information about the BBIN please visit Council’s website at www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/bbin.

Apex Park, Neerim South - from left to right Cr Keith Cook, Lieutenant Steven Heath (Neerim South Fire Brigade), Lieutenant Terry Mcphee (Neerim South Fire Brigade), Senior Constable Peter Ely (Victoria Police), Peter McEwan (District Manager Forest Fire Management Victoria), Senior Constable Stephen Cranston (Victoria Police), Cr Michael Leaney (Dep Mayor), Cr Peter Kostos.

Installed Attentis sensor at Apex Park, Neerim South.