Case Study: Alexandrina Council

In the heart of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, Alexandrina Council is on a mission to cultivate a thriving, sustainable community. With a diverse portfolio of assets valued at approximately AUD $530 million, the Council is committed to managing these resources effectively to enhance community well-being and environmental stewardship. Faced with aging infrastructure and increasing service demands, the Council sought a comprehensive strategy to optimize asset management and financial sustainability.

Recognizing the complexities of their geographically diverse area—comprising coastal towns, rural farmland, and historic townships—the Council engaged Modelve to develop a Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) that would serve as a roadmap for their future. With the goal of ensuring long-term financial stability, the strategy had to be informed by community engagement which was undertaken in parallel, so several rate payer themes could be embedded into scenario planning for financial forecasts and consensus on trade-offs.

In prior years, the council struggled with proactive asset lifecycle management, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for community engagement. There was a pressing need for a structured approach to asset management that aligned with the council's long-term vision of enhancing community well-being and environmental stewardship.

After the implementation of Modelve's scenario based deliberations, Alexandrina Council is on a journey to transform its asset management processes significantly. The council developed a comprehensive Strategic Asset Management Plan, which provided a clear roadmap for managing resources efficiently and sustainably. This plan not only addressed immediate infrastructure needs but also ensured a framework for engaging with the community, fostering transparency, and aligning projects with resident expectations.

Key features of Modelve storyboards, including a lifecycle management approach, community engagement frameworks, and climate-resilient planning tools, were instrumental in this transformation. The council's financial sustainability improved as they adopted a balanced revenue strategy that kept rates affordable while optimizing service delivery.

Through collaboration with Modelve, Alexandrina Council achieved several key outcomes: enhanced public participation in planning processes, regular reviews of strategic initiatives, and a holistic approach to community, environmental, and economic considerations. The long-term vision of a thriving and connected community by 2040, now has supporting elements that inform strategic and tactical spending ensuring intergenerational equity in asset funding.

This partnership with Modelve has not only strengthened Alexandrina Council's operational capabilities but also reinforced their commitment to serving the community effectively. The adopted scenario of a balanced budget illustrates the importance of proactive asset management in achieving both immediate project goals and long-term community aspirations.