A major remote sensor network is now live in metropolitan Adelaide as part of the Australian and local government-funded Connected Cities project.
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said over 100 smart sensors were making public spaces safer and more enjoyable for the community.
“This sensor network tells councils how many people are using facilities, where they need to mow, apply more water or save water and what play equipment requires maintenance,” Mr Tudge said.
Federal Member for Sturt James Stevens said the $289,000 project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and six local government bodies, with support from the University of Adelaide.
“The Australian Government has contributed $144,900 to this initiative through our Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, which enables local governments to apply innovative, technology-based approaches to improve the liveability of cities and address urban challenges,” Mr Stevens said.
Mayor of the City of Prospect David O’Loughlin said the network assisted not only councils but also businesses and the community to solve local problems.
“The sensors can also tell us when bins in parks are full, when public barbecues are occupied or simply when sporting grounds are busy in real time,” Cr O’Loughlin said.
Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Claire Boan said the bin sensors would revolutionise waste collection.
“The sensors will allow the driver, with the use of a tablet, to only stop at bins that need emptying. We are very excited by the potential of this technology to improve collection efficiency, reduce costs and reduce carbon emissions,” Cr Boan said.
City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the project was part of Playford’s strategy to implement Smart City initiatives that cost-effectively improve community services, while also providing the opportunity to implement ‘Internet of Things’ technology.
“This project is really taking us a step further along the smart city journey and we are embracing the technologies and planning processes of the future,” Cr Docherty said.
City of Campbelltown CEO Paul di Iulio said the sensors would enable his Council and the City of Burnside to evaluate the impact of the Magill Road Upgrade on the local community.
“We are using the sensors to count people on Magill Road, helping to inform the design of the Magill Village Master Plan and evaluate the impacts of the streetscape upgrade. The trend data will also be provided to businesses and the broader community,” Mr di Iulio said.
City of Burnside Mayor Anne Monceaux said the project introduced 29 smart sensors to measure live usage of facilities including tennis courts, the wading pool, playgrounds, barbecues and carparks.
“Data obtained will assist in providing an evidence base and inform future upgrades of the park, allow for improved maintenance response times and provide an accurate real-time source of information for our community,” Cr Monceaux said.
The $289,000 Connected Cities project was jointly funded, with the Australian Government comitting $144,900, the Cities of Prospect, Burnside, Port Adelaide Enfield and Playford providing $35,000 each and Campbelltown City Council committing $5,000.
