Wollongong, NSW
City in New South Wales
Australia
Wollongong, NSW works toward its long-term emissions goals with a pilot of kerbside EV chargers
Wollongong's Climate Change Mitigation Plan 2023-2030 calls for net-zero emissions by 2050. A one-year pilot with Endeavour Energy and EVX Australia tests the impacts of kerbside vehicle charging on carbon emissions. Five locations throughout the council were selected based on grid and local attraction proximity. Each location features a pole-mounted charger and two dedicated parking spots. EV owners can recharge their batteries for AU$0.50 per kilowatt hour.
Wollongong, NSW
Australia
Wollongong, NSW trials Proactive Graffiti Removal project for public access
Council removal targets before the pilot were two days for offensive graffiti and 20 days for non-offensive graffiti. The Proactive Graffiti Removal team conducted patrols near frequently targeted park benches, bus stops, and public buildings. Team members identified and removed graffiti before public complaints were filed with the Customer Service team. The six-month pilot supported existing beautification programs like free removal kits for residents and public mural projects.
Wollongong, NSW
Australia
Wollongong, NSW combines smart camera footage and resident engagement for public space improvements
AI-equipped cameras from Telstra are stationed along shared paths on the Blue Mile. Anonymized video footage is gathered by the council to evaluate footfall and crowd density. Council officials approved three standard counters elsewhere in Wollongong to track non-vehicle traffic. Wollongong will survey pedestrians and cyclists about their experiences with public spaces. This data inform council efforts to create dynamic spaces for recreation and public gatherings.
Wollongong, NSW
Australia
Wollongong, NSW tackles waste management issues on The Blue Mile with smart bin pilot
Summer crowds at beaches and green spaces on The Blue Mile highlighted limited bin capacity. Local leaders approved a six-month pilot that affixes smart sensors to heavily used waste bins. The sensors gather data about real-time usage and alert staff to high fill levels for as-needed waste collection. Wollongong City Council will use pilot results to adjust bin types and frequencies while considering further smart bin installations.
Wollongong, NSW
Australia
Wollongong, NSW displays proposed projects down to the street level with interactive map
Council teams populated the map with proposals from the draft four-year Delivery Program and two-year Operational Plans. Local residents entered their addresses to find the closest projects to their homes. The map could be adjusted to neighborhood and citywide views for the full contexts of these plans. Map users then expressed informed views on projects ranging from new street lights to facilities upgrades through the Our Wollongong platform.
Wollongong, NSW
Australia
Wollongong, NSW beautifies green spaces with the help of residents through Verge Gardens Pilot
The council's Connecting Neighbours Grant program issued $250 AUD each to 12 projects as part of the pilot. Applicants presented designs for turning strips of land between curbs and private property into gardens with native plants. Verge gardens require less water than the lawns they replace while providing a home for birds, lizards, and beneficial insects. This pilot and three demonstration gardens at council facilities encourage residents to pursue similar projects.
Wollongong, NSW
Australia
Wollongong, NSW progresses toward carbon-free operations with solar carpark installation
The council approved a solar installation to be completed at the Stewart Park carpark in 2021. Energy produced by the structure will be delivered to the Wollongong Administration Building. Surplus solar power can be sent to the local grid on nights and weekends. The solar panels double as shade for parked cars. The Stewart Park solar project contributes to Wollongong's efforts at carbon neutrality by 2030.
Wollongong, NSW
Australia