NT Government · Darwin
Outdoor safety messaging
at three Darwin boat ramps.
The Northern Territory Government engaged AV Projects to deliver outdoor LED message boards at Dinah Beach, Elizabeth River, and East Arm boat ramps. Each site needed a 3m × 3m display, remote content management, and a structure suited to its coastal location. As head contractor, we coordinated the AV, electrical, structural, and civil works, giving boaters a place to check marine safety notices before heading out.
Displays and protection
Plan for the coast
and the next service visit.
The selected displays were custom-manufactured Vuepix Infiled MV series LED screens, supplied through ULA, with a 7.81mm pixel pitch. Additional conformal coating and connector protection were specified for critical electronics exposed to salt, wind, and humidity.
Purpose-built support structures combined hot-dip galvanised steel with rear access and removable aluminium protection panels. The arrangement provided access to the screen for maintenance without dismantling the structure.
A single-piece, 9mm UV-stabilised polycarbonate shield protected the front of each display. Aluminium channels allowed for thermal expansion, while a hoist-assisted handling method allowed two people to remove or reinstall the shield for servicing.
Site works
Three ramps.
Three sets of ground conditions.
The footing and structural design was developed for each location. Power came from nearby existing mains infrastructure, with directional boring required at two sites to provide the underground connection.
At Elizabeth River, the location near the water’s edge required additional engineering detail. Submerged anchors formed part of the footing, and drainage was improved to address stormwater pooling at the front of the slab.
These works had to be coordinated with screen installation, lifting operations, and access to the surrounding public areas. Civil and structural delivery were part of the signage project from the outset.
Operation and handover
Update the message
without a trip to the ramp.
All three sites were commissioned in October 2023. The displays carry marine safety information, weather conditions, hazards, and general water safety messages.
The relevant NT Government team publishes content through a web-based platform using the displays’ 4G connections. Authorised staff can update the boards remotely as information changes.
Solar-powered monitoring cameras were also installed on existing lighting poles. Their role is to check content visibility and screen operation remotely, helping the team decide when a site visit is needed.
The systems behind outdoor safety messaging at Darwin’s boat ramps
Planning outdoor information displays?
Tell us about the sites, the messages, and who will manage the content. We can plan the displays and supporting infrastructure together.
