The world's largest real-time environmental monitoring network will go online in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria on the 1st May. The comprehensive network combines bushfire ignition detection, flood level monitoring, air quality tracking and 24-hour micro-climate weather monitoring, to provide early notification of fires, floods and air quality issues, such as storm asthma that can impact the lives of residents.
The Latrobe Valley Information Network (www.LVIN.org) also provides 24 hour monitoring of plantations, coal mines and power stations to protect industry resources in the region, a mitigation step to future proof local industry, reducing the possibility of large scale events that impact local timber supplies. Further targeted sites include dam wall safety and landfill monitoring.
Developed and supported by Australian company 'Attentis', the patented technology has been implemented as part of the Federal Government's Smart Cities and Suburbs Program with installation and ongoing support from the Latrobe City Council. The location of sensors was selected by the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee, incorporating representation from Victoria Police, Regional Roads Victoria, State Emergency Service, Country Fire Authority, Gippsland Water, Environment Protection Authority, Water Catchment Management Authority and local communities.
75,000 residents of the Latrobe Valley will have free access to the new system to monitor live weather, rainfall and air composition, with access to real-time information and notifications from local agencies and emergency services. Visitors will be able to view live onsite conditions prior to visiting Latrobe City and the various community attractions.
Farmers throughout the region have access to live and historic rainfall, soil moisture, localised micro climate weather conditions and a range of analytical tools and automation options to optimise water consumption and drive productivity.
Allergy sufferers can view live air concentration levels and movement to avoid contact and the impact of airborne pollens and contaminants including smoke from planned burns and the bushfires.
The Federal Government and Attentis invested $1.7 million to construct the network with in-kind support from the Latrobe City Council and several agencies through the MEMP Committee.
