Automatic water meter devices are just the start of a major water meter infrastructure upgrade in the Gunnedah shire.

From December, the devices will be fitted at more than 4000 homes and businesses throughout at Gunnedah, Curlewis, Tambar Springs and Mullaley. Completion of installation is expected by June 30, 2019.

Successful technology projects that go live on schedule and budget and immediately provide better than expected results are a rarity. Particularly when related to the Internet of Things (IoT) where many applications find it difficult to show a commercial return.

The Mackay region was experiencing a booming economy and rapid population growth in the mid 2000’s. The effect of this was escalating costs of delivering water and sewerage services and the requirement for capital investment in a new Water Treatment Plant on the horizon. A change was required, as “business as usual” was not sustainable and consumption was rising rapidly.