Leaders from government, industry and research will explore how innovations in smart sensing can benefit new Western Sydney developments at the Sensing the West Forum in Parramatta on March 13.

The event will be opened by NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong and involve expert panel discussions and workshops about planning, building and construction, service delivery, and the environment, with a particular focus on the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

This image is an artist’s impression of the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis which is located around the new Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek. The Aerotropolis will include 10 innovative precincts focused on advanced manufacturing, technology, research, training and education, freight and logistics, agribusiness, and mixed-use development. Image provided by Western Parkland City Authority

The forum has been organised by the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) in collaboration with Western Sydney University’s Urban Transformations Research Centre, CSIRO Sydney Science Park Urban Living Lab and Celestino.

It’s expected the event will result in several new collaborative project concepts that will be progressed after the event.

This image is an artist’s impression of the new Bradfield City Centre (indicative only) which is being built on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport. It will become home to more than 15,000 people. Image provided by Western Parkland City Authority

NSSN Smart Cities & Natural Hazards Theme Lead Peter Runcie says as NSW’s population continues to grow, innovative approaches to building the smart cities and places of the future are required.

“The challenges in new developments are complex and the solutions need timely collaborations between different organisations well in advance of construction,” Mr Runcie says.

“Smart sensors can play a critical role in solving key challenges in planning, building and construction, delivery of services and environmental outcomes in new development sites.

“For example, sensors can measure disease and water leaks in pipes; monitor air quality and heat; accurately understand land use; and measure the quality of buildings and infrastructure. The NSSN exists as an innovation network to bring those organisations together so they can deliver improved outcomes in NSW.”

Co-Director of the Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC) at Western Sydney University, Professor Greg Morrison says as a lead organisation in Western Sydney, the university is committed to and involved in helping build a sustainable future for the region.

“The establishment of the UTRC in November 2022 is a clear demonstration of the university’s commitment in this area,” Professor Morrison says.

“As a research centre we have a mandate and commitment to address the large scale and pressing challenges of our time in planning the built environment and transitioning to sustainable, people-centred precincts and city environments.

“To achieve this we partner with industry, all levels of government and the community. Smart technologies, including smart sensors, will play a critical role in delivering on the sustainable goals for all city environments.”

The forum will be opened by the NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong.

Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO, Dr Tim Muster says the growth in western Sydney over the next forty years will leave a lasting impact.

“In its role as the national science agency, CSIRO is collaborating to enhance the innovation ecosystem in NSW and conduct real-world experimentation focused on enhancing and monitoring improvements in quality of life, sustainability, and resilience.”

General Manager of Business Development at Celestino, Duncan Challen says Celestino is the owner and developer of the 271-hectare mixed-use Sydney Science Park and is pleased to be part of this collaboration that seeks to understand the sensing solutions that can improve the sustainability, affordability and well-being of the communities being established across Western Sydney.

“Importantly for property developers, there is a need to understand how sensors can play a role in identifying better ways to develop,” Mr Challen says. “We are excited to be part of this Forum and learning what sensors can bring to communities in Western Sydney.”

Confirmed speakers at the event include:

The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong, NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology
Scott McKillop - General Manager, Western Sydney Airport
Rory Brown, Executive Director, Smart Places, Transport for NSW
Luke Nicholls, Director, Western Sydney Planning Partnership
Antonia Kendall, Director - Digital, Data & Cyber, Western Parkland City Authority
Nathan Groenhout, Senior Design Manager, Jacobs
Frank Zeichner, CEO, IoT Alliance Australia
Sam Kernaghan, Director – Resilience Program, Committee for Sydney

Register for the event: https://events.humanitix.com/sensing-the-west-v6xyjwss

Sensing a new future for Western Sydney