A mobile pedestrian counter has been set up in Mildura's Langtree Mall ahead of the busy Easter long weekend to help measure the impact of major events in our region.
Utilising Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the trailer-mounted device features two solar-powered 3D movement sensors that capture, count and record pedestrian and vehicle numbers every hour. All data captured is publicly accessible via Council's website.
Mildura Rural City Council Mayor Liam Wood said the Mildura City Heart Good Friday Show and Shine was the perfect opportunity to use the new equipment, which Council obtained as part of its Smart Cities trial project.
"This innovative technology will give us access to accurate, real-time data that will help measure how many people attend major events like the ever-popular Show and Shine," Cr Wood said.
"With reliable data we can plan for, attract and anticipate future events."
Council set up the IoT device at the Eighth Street end of Langtree Mall earlier this week. It will count pedestrian numbers in the lead up, during and after the Easter long weekend before it is moved to other locations in the Council area.
No images or personally identifiable information will be captured on the device and the public can access all the recorded data online at mildura.vic.gov.au/IoT
Mildura City Heart Manager Danielle Hobbs said she looked forward to the insights the IoT trial would provide.
"Mildura City Heart works incredibly hard to activate Mildura's CBD and provide free events for the whole community to enjoy," she said.
Without ticket sales or gate fees, it has traditionally been tricky to get a reliable count on the number of people who attend events in the City Heart.
"We're thrilled this new technology is available to solve that challenge," Ms Hobbs said.
As well as capturing crowd numbers, Council will trial using the mobile IoT device at various roads, footpaths and intersections throughout the region where traffic counts are required.
"This valuable information will help us schedule asset maintenance and plan for services over time - catering for growth or decline in usage," Cr Wood said.
The mobile pedestrian and vehicle counter is one of several devices Mildura Rural City Council is trialling as part of the Smart Cities: Internet of Things project.
Other trial devices include sensors on public litter bins in Mildura, Ouyen, Murrayville, Underbool and Walpeup and a customer counter at the Mildura Visitor Information and Booking Centre.
Mildura Rural City Council is leading the trial on behalf of four Mallee councils, which 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.
