Tech will test solutions
A new digital project in Ararat will allow farmers and industry leaders to solve challenges using a range of sensor technologies.
The Ararat Digital Twin Spotlight Project will work with farmers and planners to leverage powerful data visualisation and sharing capabilities of the Digital Twin Victoria platform.
Ararat Rural City Council will host two Digital Farm Tech Field Days — at Willaura on February 14 and Tatyoon on February 15.
Digital Twins use two-dimensional, threedimensional and live sensor data to build a virtual model of a place, including town infrastructure, rural roads, buildings, machinery and farmland.
The council will establish the Ararat Digital Twin to create a link between virtual and digital worlds, enabling real-world simulations.
Chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the council was committed to becoming Australia’s rural innovation capital, establishing collaborative partnerships to drive advanced research and development in agriculture and bioenergy.
“We’re using this project at a local level to understand the technology’s ability to assist asset management planning and prioritisation of infrastructure repairs and developments, including roads, with a risk mitigation and productivity-boosting view for the municipality,” Dr Harrison said.
“By hosting the Digital Farm Tech Field Days, we’re bringing the local agricultural community together to explore how sensor technology can be used to improve on-farm decisions and increase productivity.
“It’s a great opportunity for farmers to hear more on the region’s plans for improved connectivity and the local grants available for installing farm weather stations.”
The project is a collaborative partnership with the Digital Twin Victoria program and Federation University.
People wanting more information, or to register for the field days, can visit www.ararat.gov.au/digitaltwin