Lake Mac Community Internet of Things Network now available to innovators, businesses and schools

The region’s innovators, businesses, community groups and schools are being encouraged to connect to Lake Macquarie City’s Community Internet of Things (IoT) Network and experiment with sensors and data.

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The free-to-use public network is now one of the largest IoT Networks of its kind in NSW and covers all of Lake Macquarie. The local network provides many opportunities for the community and businesses to connect devices to measure things like environment and weather patterns, collect customer traffic data and track a piece of equipment or product via GPS.

Lake Macquarie City Council’s Smart Cities Lead Claire Chaikin-Bryan believes the possibilities are endless for people interested in connecting to the Community IoT network.

“There is a range of sensors that can connect to the network, but people are also able to build their own sensors and start collecting data. The network is free to use, which means businesses and innovators can use the network to get experience with IoT without making a large investment or long-term commitment,” Ms Chaikin-Bryan said.

“We’re using the network to measure weather, urban heat and air quality, track lifeguard rescues with sensors on rescue boards, and measure usage of amenities. We’re encouraging people to connect and experiment with sensors and the data, and if you’re new to IoT technology, we’re hosting a series of IoT workshops to find out more.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said the growing IoT market presented a huge opportunity for Lake Macquarie City’s economy.

“We know that innovation and lifestyle will shape the most successful cities in the world in the future. We are very lucky to have an amazing lifestyle already, and now we have one of the largest IoT networks in NSW. This will help us attract innovators, creators and entrepreneurs to our City,” Cr Fraser said.

“There are some wonderful opportunities for our major industries to utilise the IoT network, especially as our economy continues to change and grow. I’m eager to see how our community and businesses use their expertise to make the most of the network and technology.”

As part of the Hunter Innovation Festival, Council will be running workshops to teach people how to use the network and even build their own sensors. Bookings can be made via hunterinnovationfestival.org.

Discover IoT @ Lake Mac sessions

· Saturday 8 May – 10 to 11.30am at Belmont Library

· Sunday 9 May – 10 to 11.30am at Toronto Library

· Monday 10 May – 6 to 7.30pm at Speers Point Library

· Tuesday 11 May – 6 to 7.30pm at Morisset Library

· Saturday 15 May – 11.30am to 1pm at Charlestown Library

· Sunday 16 May – 2 to 3.30pm at Swansea Library

Community Internet of Things (IoT) Network

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the connection of physical devices to the virtual world and/or each other via the internet, to be controlled or communicate information and data.

The Lake Macquarie City Community IoT Network runs on the global The Things Network (TTN) which uses LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology and has been deployed around many parts of Australia. This means sensors that work on the network in Lake Macquarie will also work in Sydney, Perth, the Sunshine Coast and anywhere there is TTN coverage.