Gannawarra Shire Council
People counters determining how many people are using public facilities at Atkinson Park, Kerang are now operational.
Installed earlier this year but activated last month, the counters are part of Gannawarra Shire Council’s participation in an Internet of Things (IoT) trial that also includes Buloke Shire Council, Mildura Rural City Council and Swan Hill Rural City Council.
Mildura Rural City Council is leading the project, which is enabled through State Government funding, support from Mildura Regional Development and includes research partnerships with La Trobe University and Sunraysia Institute of TAFE.
“Council is pleased to be joining three other Mallee-based councils in trialling new technology to assist with services management and future asset planning,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.
The people counters installed include a three-dimensional, artificial intelligence and machine learning sensor which focuses on the Atkinson Park car park, whilst two infrared and heat sensors are measuring how frequently the public toilets are utilised.
“It is important to note that these sensors do not capture any identifiable data of people accessing the Atkinson Park car park or amenities,” Mr O’Reilly said.
Atkinson Park is one of two sites where IoT technology is being trialled, with a library of smart sensors providing real-time management of the pumps within Kerang’s Wyndham St pump station.
“These sensors have assisted Council with the management of Kerang’s stormwater network during summer, and we look forward to seeing how this system operates as we head towards what is historically the wettest six months of the year,” Mr O’Reilly said.
The IoT 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 information and to view real-time data from the Atkinson Park sensors, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/IoT
