Three of the new benches will be installed, representing a first within Melbourne's inner-city area for this type of facility. Furthermore, each bench will be powered completely by renewable solar energy and will be maintained cost-free by the city's partnering company Eco Renewable Energy (ERE).
Mayor of Yarra Gabrielle de Vietri said public spaces throughout the city will be enhanced by the smart benches, which will give people who connect to them free phone charging and Wi-Fi. She added:
“By providing these benches, we are offering all residents online access to critical information, products and services – particularly those who may not otherwise have access.”
De Vietri said users will also be able to see valuable information collected via environmental sensors that are built into the benches and provide real-time details about air pressure, humidity, temperature and air quality.
According to the mayor, this type of information can also assist with important decisions on planning, including those that relate to climate emergency actions.
Innovations such as the smart benches have often been brought to the attention of local residents through local media and by the roll out of strategic flyer printing campaigns.
The smart benches, which will undergo a six-month pilot phase, are to be installed at Fitzroy's Atherton Gardens, Carlton North's Curtain Square park and Stewart Street in Richmond.