Inside Perth’s Shift Toward Smart Infrastructure

A wave of connected infrastructure projects is reshaping Perth. From AI‑driven traffic lights and LED street‑lighting to predictive train signalling and renewable microgrids, Western Australia is investing heavily in technology that makes the city cleaner, faster and more resilient. These upgrades create opportunities for local tech and trade businesses while improving sustainability, safety and travel times across the metropolitan area.

Perth’s transformation is under way

Perth is no longer just expanding outward; it’s getting smarter. Across Western Australia, state agencies and local councils are rolling out smart infrastructure projects that combine sensors, IoT networks, renewable energy and real‑time data. The WA government’s push to decarbonise the grid and tackle congestion, along with federal digital‑transformation grants, is speeding up adoption.

Shaun from Tech Hero notes that this is more than a tech upgrade:

“This isn’t just about technology; it’s about how Perth lives and grows. Smart infrastructure is helping our city run cleaner, safer and faster.”

Below are some examples of how real projects are delivering measurable outcomes for commuters, residents and businesses.

Smart traffic management – Main Roads WA

The Smart Freeway program uses cameras, vehicle sensors, variable speed limits and ramp signals to manage traffic flows on Perth’s busiest corridors. An ABC News report on the Mitchell Freeway upgrade noted that motorists have shaved about ten minutes off the morning commute between Hester Avenue and Vincent Street since the smart systems were switched on. Authorities expect the time saving to stabilise at around seven minutes once school traffic resumes. Dynamic lane and speed management also helps reduce accidents and emissions by smoothing stop‑start traffic.

Energy‑efficient smart lighting – City of Joondalup

Lighting is one of a council’s biggest energy costs. The City of Joondalup installed LED street lights fitted with wireless smart controls that dim and brighten automatically based on pedestrian movement and traffic. According to the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, the project saved more than 65 % in energy consumption compared with the previous system. Smart lighting reduces maintenance visits, cuts carbon emissions and provides better light quality for public safety.

Source: ipwea.org

Water conservation – Water Corporation’s winter sprinkler switch‑off

Perth has one of the world’s driest climates, so water conservation is vital. Each winter from 1 June to 31 August, the Winter Sprinkler Switch‑Off bans the use of garden sprinklers across the metropolitan area. The Water Corporation says the policy saves around five billion litres of water every year and is integral to securing supply for almost 2.5 million people. Smart meters and irrigation sensors are being trialled to make water use even more efficient.

Source: watercorporation.com.au

Smarter Public Transport – High-Capacity Signalling and Real-Time Data

The state’s rail network is getting a digital overhaul. A new Public Transport Operations Control Centre in East Perth hosts a 1,000 m² control room and a 100 m² “mega screen” that displays real-time data from thousands of sensors and transponders on tracks and trains.

As part of the High-Capacity Signalling project, more than 7,000 trackside transponders and new in-cab displays will allow trains to run closer together, increasing capacity by up to 40 %. The technology improves reliability and reduces delays, particularly on the expanding METRONET network, which plans about 72 km of new passenger rail and up to 18 new stations.

Source: infrastructuremagazine.com.au · canning.wa.gov.au

Renewable Microgrids – Western Power

To improve reliability in regional areas and reduce reliance on diesel, Western Power has begun installing renewable microgrids. The 5 MW microgrid at Kalbarri blends power from a wind farm and customers’ rooftop solar to operate independently when the main grid goes down. Other microgrids at Perenjori, Bremer Bay and Ravensthorpe have been commissioned or are under construction. These systems provide a blueprint for resilient, low-carbon power in remote communities.

Source: westernpower.com.au

Building the Clean Energy Link North

Renewable generation in the Mid West can only help Perth if it can reach the city. In July 2025, the state government announced a $584 million Clean Energy Link North transmission project to build hundreds of kilometres of power lines from Malaga to Three Springs. Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the network will “unlock” world-class wind and solar resources and is central to the government’s goal of doubling renewable energy on the grid by 2030. This underscores the scale of Western Australia’s energy transition and the opportunities for engineering, construction and grid-services firms.

Source: abc.net.au

Business opportunities in Perth’s smart boom

This infrastructure boom isn’t just for government agencies. It creates new opportunities for local businesses:

IoT deployment
Install and maintain sensors, cameras, and wireless gateways for traffic systems, street lighting, and water management networks.

Data analytics
Develop dashboards and AI-driven tools to turn raw infrastructure data into actionable insights for operators and councils.

Cybersecurity
Protect the critical networks that control roads, power, and transport systems from intrusion and misuse.

Renewable integration
Design and maintain solar, battery, and microgrid systems that connect seamlessly with Perth’s expanding energy grid.

Green trades
Retrofit commercial and residential buildings with smart lighting, HVAC controls, and EV charging systems to meet new sustainability goals.

Perth’s smart infrastructure push invites collaborations between traditional trades and technology providers. Those who adapt quickly can secure long‑term contracts and shape the future of the city.

Tech Hero’s Take

At Tech Hero, we see smart infrastructure as more than technology — it’s a platform for innovation.

When data flows freely from sensors to dashboards, everyone benefits: councils can optimise resources, commuters enjoy smoother journeys, and communities thrive in safer, greener neighbourhoods.

Our role is to help local businesses and government agencies:

• Assess IoT readiness: Identify where sensors and automation can improve operations and efficiency.
• Build secure data pipelines: Connect edge devices to cloud dashboards using encryption, authentication, and access controls.
• Set up predictive maintenance: Use AI and machine learning to detect faults before they cause costly downtime.

Tech Hero bridges the gap between local infrastructure and digital innovation, helping Perth grow smarter, more connected, and more resilient.