BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

New wireless technology is coming to the city of Lake Macquarie which is expected to benefit Council and local businesses.

State Minister for Infrastructure and Cities, Paul Fletcher is visiting the LGA today to announce the smart city network, which has been welcomed by the Hunter Business Chamber.

20 transceivers will be installed by the National Broadband Network Co over two phases, resulting in the finished Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN).

CEO of Economic Development Company, Dantia, Peter Francis, said it has the potential to streamline daily operations.

“It’s a wireless network which receives data from sensors, and that data can be analysed to provide decision making,” he explained.

“For example, Hunter Water is looking at installing sensors on meters and pipes to see whether they’re leaking to be able to monitor them remotely.

“The kinds of businesses who are initially showing interest and being partners include the University of Technology Sydney, Hunter Water, NSW Forestry, Ampcontrol and ResTech as well as startups like Marine Connect, Liftango, Tecevo and BinShare,” Mr Francis concluded.

Lake Macquarie has followed in the footsteps of Newcastle City Council in striking a deal with the telco, but will become the first city to have 100% commercial grade coverage of the technology.



Officials meet at today’s LoRaWAN network. Image: Mayor Kay Fraser.