Devices provide data-driven insights for better town planning

NewsCommunity

30 Mar

Woombye Community and Business Association President Debbie Kimber and council’s Smart City Framework Coordinator Michael Whereat with one of the ambient temperature sensors residents may start to notice around town.

Real time data on people movement, water use and ambient temperatures will soon be captured in Woombye to help Sunshine Coast Council improve its delivery of services and facilities.

Division 5 Cr Winston Johnston said 10 sensors would be installed on poles along Blackall Street for the Data Driven Decision Making (DDDM) pilot project which is part of council’s Smart City Framework.

“Capturing real-time data is becoming increasingly important to council because it provides definitive information which shows us how we can improve the way we plan for the future and deliver more efficient services and infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast community,” Cr Johnston said.

The Woombye pilot project will capture real time information about pedestrian and vehicle movement in the area. “It will capture data on how long they’re in this area and their direction of movement.”

Twenty car parking bay sensors will be installed in April to capture data about how many vehicles use parking bays, how long they stay, and the peak times.

A networked water meter is already installed in Woombye, providing council with data on how many people are using public amenities, how much water is being used and if there are water leaks.

“This data informs council about the scheduling of maintenance and cleaning schedules, as well as identifying potential misuse of facilities and helps council run these facilities in more environmentally sustainable way,” Cr Johnston said.

A weather station and ambient temperature sensors would also be installed as part of the pilot, to assist council’s Disaster Management team in the short term and assist with climate change policy over the longer term.

“The ambient temperature sensor (see photo) is one of four to be installed and will complement the movement and counting sensors to form a complete picture of the day-to-day and longer term trends within Woombye and support data driven design for council’s placemaking team.

“A thermal image camera will also provide council with data on temperature comparisons between asphalt, concrete, grass, canopy or shaded locations. This information will be used to improve planning and design of public areas, using materials and colours which provide cooler, more comfortable open spaces for our community,” Cr Johnston said.