The City of Greater Geelong has received the 2023 Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Technology Award for Excellence for its innovative technology including specially designed smart sensors and irrigation infrastructure to protect Grey Headed Flying Foxes.
The City was part of the finalist group at the MAV Technology Annual Conference where the achievements of Victorian councils are celebrated, before claiming first place.
Its winning technology includes specially designed smart sensors and irrigation infrastructure which is part of the Protecting Grey Headed Flying Foxes project in Eastern Park, which took out the Emerging Technology category.
The project, supported by the Victorian Government through a $100,000 contribution, aims to reduce the risk of dehydration, heat stress, and death within the Grey Headed Flying Fox colony which is done by monitoring temperature and humidity levels and cooling the environment when required.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Trent Sullivan, said it was exciting that the city had been recognised for its embrace of digital technology.
“Utilising innovative technology is helping us address challenges ranging from biodiversity to transport and provide more efficient services to our growing community.
“This is just one of the ways we are working towards the community’s Clever and Creative vision. The Geelong region is building an international reputation as a forward-looking smart city.
“We’ve also been named a Top7 Smart Community of 2023 and last year’s International Smart City of the Year alongside Barcelona City.
“This is reflective of the smart tech efforts from across the community, from the education and manufacturing sectors to community groups,” Mr Sullivan said.
The City’s Unlocking-Data Driven Transport Innovations project was also highly commended in the Data and Insights category, with the project aim enabling the City to better understand the region’s transportation challenges such as the impact of road closures, weather and infrastructure developments through the integration of big data, computer vision and artificial intelligence.
