The University of Melbourne and Victorian Government will partner to develop a digital twin for Fishermans Bend. This sophisticated technology is a first for Victoria. It will provide 3D context and illustrate the human and built relationships within the local environment.
Fishermans Bend is Australia's largest urban renewal project. This priority precinct will accommodate 80,000 people and 80,000 jobs by 2050. The precinct is now in the design stage of a 30-year renewal program. Its digital twin will be a global example of innovation and help Victoria achieve a world leading renewal outcome.
The digital twin will recreate real-world Fishermans Bend in a digital format. It will use sophisticated technology and perform complex calculations that draw on:
- virtual and augmented reality
- artificial intelligence
- real time data.
The result is a realistic model that can be accurate to within one metre. This level of precision can help track and analyse changes in the environment. It also helps run possible development scenarios with realistic outcome forecasts including:
- traffic flow predictions
- power and water usage.
Users need no specialist knowledge to experience a digital twin. So more people can be part of the decision-making that affects where they live, work and unwind.
A specialist unit at the University of Melbourne will lead development of the digital twin. The data scientists will work in collaboration with government, research and industry experts.
The digital twin will make spatial information inclusive and accessible. It will use a cloud-based geospatial platform and adopt FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. This means users can easily search, discover, combine and visualise data. Cloud hosting means this functionality is independent of user systems and technology. So no installation, updates or special equipment are required.
The Fishermans Bend digital twin is a foundation for Victorian use of this innovative technology. It will help reduce work duplication and break down silos within government. In turn, this will support better management of current and future development statewide.
