Bayside Council — Shaping Sustainable Communities Through Effective Asset Management
Bayside Council, located in the picturesque coastal region of New South Wales, Australia, is dedicated to creating a vibrant and sustainable community. With a robust asset portfolio valued at approximately AUD 1.2 billion, the council effectively manages over 4,500 public assets, including roads, parks, community centers, and stormwater infrastructure. Their mission is clear: to deliver high-quality, sustainable services that meet the diverse needs of their approximately 180,000 residents.
Faced with the dual challenge of managing aging infrastructure while meeting the growing demands of a rapidly expanding population, Bayside Council recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to asset management. To address these challenges, they engaged Modelve, a leader in asset management solutions, to develop tailored Asset Management Plans (AMPs) that would align with their vision for a sustainable community.
Through a collaborative process, Modelve provided the necessary tools and expertise to equip Bayside Council with a transformative Asset Management Strategy (AMS) and AMPs for Open Space, Property, Stormwater, and Transport assets. Utilizing Modelve's advanced features, the council was able to forecast future needs based on demand changes, asset health and funding constraints - ensuring that service provisions were adequate and aligned with community expectations.
By adopting a lifecycle approach to asset management, Bayside Council has been able to optimize costs and enhance service delivery. Ongoing community consultation has facilitated transparency, allowing the council to communicate effectively with residents about service levels and funding capabilities. Furthermore, the same principle inputs of asset life, patterns of consumption, unit rates and asset health have also been applied to calculate fair value for each asset class including compliance with the new accounting guideline updates. At a recent Councillor briefing, the Modelve process from data to scenario planning to Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) consensus was hailed as one of the best ever asset management briefing sessions by Councillors.
Key Takeaways
- Forecasting future demand based on population growth to ensure adequate service provision.
- Aligning asset management strategies with financial planning to secure sustainable funding for maintenance and renewal.
- Establishing clear performance measures to enhance asset management capabilities and ensure accountability.
The partnership with Modelve has proven instrumental in streamlining Bayside Council's asset management processes. With the successful completion of the AMS and AMPs, the council is now better equipped to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility and community well-being. As a result, they continue to lead the way in shaping a sustainable future for their diverse and thriving communities.
