A Victorian council has been announced as a finalist in three MAV Technology 2023 Awards for Excellence, which celebrate the achievements of Victorian councils using innovative technology to support and improve community services.
MAV Technology, established by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), will announce the winners of the awards at its annual conference on Friday 11 August.
The City of Greater Geelong has been named a finalist for both the ‘Collaboration or Partnership’ and ‘Emerging Tech’ categories, for its Protecting Gray-headed Flying Foxes project, where smart sensors and irrigation infrastructure in Eastern Park will help reduce deaths.
By monitoring temperature and humidity levels through sensing equipment, specially designed irrigating system works to cool the environment and reduce the risk of dehydration, heat stress, and death within the colony.
The Council is also a finalist in the ‘Data and Insights’ category for its Unlocking Data-Driven Transport Innovations project.
By integrating big data, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and digital twin capabilities, Council can undertake a high level of transport analysis. This approach allows it to better understand transportation challenges in the region including the impact of road closures, major events, weather, and infrastructure developments.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Trent Sullivan, said the announcements were a welcome recognition of the clever and creative efforts happening in the region.
“These projects aim to make a tangible difference in the community by reducing deaths in the vulnerable Gray-headed Flying Foxes species and gaining a comprehensive understanding of Geelong’s transportation through data-driven approaches that require minimal investment,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“By encouraging the use of clever technology, data and innovation, we are striving for better outcomes for our community to ensure Greater Geelong can unlock its full potential.”
The full list of 2023 finalists can be found at mavdigital.com/2023-awards-for-excellence-finalists.