All about Thinxtra

Thinxtra is a Smart Council initiative.  It provides an independent low power wide area network, to connect Yarra's smart technology devices and sensors.  The Thinxtra network is supported by the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation and is connected in over 60 countries. 

What will Thinxtra do for Yarra?

Thinxtra is a significant step to becoming a Smart City.  It will enable us to use emerging technology and digital tools to engage and enhance the community, social connections, commerce and environmental sustainability.  Initially, we will use Thinxtra to inform our public waste collection.  Later uses might include intelligent street lighting, air quality monitoring, interactive screens and public wifi. 

Thinxtra has the potential to deliver multiple benefits to Council, business and the community including:

•  Fast access to our smart sensor data so we can make informed real-time decisions

•  Supporting external partnerships such as the Smart School Program

•  Increasing digital equity across Yarra

•  Business and innovation investment to boost economies

Where are the works happening?

Works will take place across Yarra:

• Alphington Park Parkview Road, Alphington

• Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library 182-186 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North

• Burnley Golf Course, Club House 102 Madden Grove, Burnley

• Burnley Park Pavilion Park Grove, Richmond

• Carlton North Library 653-659 Rathdowne Street, Carlton

• Collingwood Depot 168 Roseneath Street, Clifton Hill

• Collingwood Leisure Centre 28 Turnbull Street, Collingwood

• Fitzroy Swimming Pool 160 Alexandra Parade, Fitzroy

• Kevin Bartlett Reserve, Clubhouse F R Smith Drive, Burnley

• Mark Street Hall Reserve 11 Mark Street, Fitzroy North

• Richmond Library 415-417 Church Street, Richmond

• Victoria Park, Bob Rose Pavilion Corner Lulie and Abbott Streets, Abbotsford

Why were these locations selected?

This selection of council owned/affiliated properties can support the network with the smallest footprint possible. The network is dispersed across Yarra to provide a robust platform to move information quickly and efficiently, ensuring the entire community benefits from our new approach. 

Is it safe?

Extensive health research and risk assessment data from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and the federal department of health advises there are no established health effects from low-level exposure to these networks. To further ensure community safety, the network will be mounted on rooftops and in other inaccessible areas.

Who do I contact for more information?

Contact Megan Turnley, Strategy and Transformation Lead, Yarra CityLab on 9205 5555 or email us at [email protected]. 

Read more about Thinxtra here:

Our Future Yarra

Thinxtra Network benefits Yarra 2021

ARPANSA Fixed Wireless Base Stations

ARPANSA Understanding Radiation

ARPANSA Wi-Fi and Health

ARPANSA Smart Meters and Health