Naru Beach Reserve

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This reserve is located at Naru, on the shores of Lake Macquarie. 

AI patronage camera trial

We’re trialling cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to better understand visitation at Naru Beach Reserve and improve how we manage our assets.

The camera tracks movement and records information about the number of visitors and length of stay in a secure Council database, without the need to store potentially identifiable footage or images. The camera will be in place until mid-June 2023.

The information will assist decision-making around permanent and temporary infrastructure, and required protections for the natural environment to keep Naru Reserve and Naru Beach a popular summer destination, both now and into the future. 

Frequently asked questions

What is this camera trailer doing?

We’re trialling an evidence-based approach to inform current and future asset management at Naru Reserve and Naru Beach, informed by peak holiday and summer patronage in the area.

What is the camera capturing?

The system tracks visitor movements to and from the site, while avoiding community concerns around privacy.

The technology is specifically designed to process images on the device itself, preventing any storage of images. The system then simply uploads the number, type and timing of movements to Council databases. 

What makes this different to other cameras?

The system can send information over our long-range city network (LoRaWAN) to be integrated into existing databases, and can be changed to track and distinguish between different parameters of interest (people, cars, dogs etc.)

 

How long will the camera be operating at Naru?

The camera will be set up from early January 2023 until mid-June 2023 to understand the use of the area during this time, including time and duration of visits, and peak periods. 

What does Council anticipate this data will be used for?

We’re constantly upgrading and maintaining our city’s parks, recreational spaces and natural areas for the benefit of our residents, visitors and the natural environment. To inform future land and asset planning, such as roads and provision of facilities and amenities, it’s important to understand usage to ensure we continue to provide the right service for our community. 

 

Location

Naru Street, Marks Point 2280  View in Google Maps

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