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The Smart Irrigation Management for Parks and Cool Towns (SIMPaCT) initiative represents an innovative approach to creating cooler and water-efficient parklands through the integration of a low-cost environmental sensing network and digital twin technology. A pilot study of the digital twin, now fully operational in Bicentennial Park, has provided significant insight into the requirements and capabilities of such a system. The digital twin is structured around three interlinked components: data collection, modelling, and visualisation. In the realm of data collection, real-time information is harnessed from an extensive sensor network, weather forecasts, and park operator-defined irrigation parameters. These diverse data sources converge to form a comprehensive understanding of the park environment, underpinning subsequent decision-making processes. Within the modelling domain, SIMPaCT employs a multi-tiered strategy to predict park conditions and optimise irrigation schedules. This involves the integration of calibrated models, ranging from conceptual hydrological models to machine learning algorithms and regression-based evapotranspiration forecasts. Each model is tailored to its specific data requirements, ensuring its effectiveness in helping to generate optimised irrigation schedules for the park. The visualisation component serves as the interface for both park operators and users, providing real-time access to model outcomes and irrigation schedules. This transparency enhances operational confidence and facilitates informed choices. The dynamic digital twin technology, at the core of SIMPaCT, seamlessly integrates these sections, resulting in a cohesive ecosystem that harnesses the power of data-driven decision-making. Lessons learned from the SIMPaCT project highlight the importance of data quality and model resilience. The close interplay between models and sensor networks necessitates a tiered approach to model selection, enabling adaptation in the face of data limitations or sensor failures. Moreover, the integration of user-friendly dashboards enhances stakeholder engagement, ensuring a holistic understanding of the system's functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]