NAMS Council
National Asset Management Strategy Update May 2019
Several NAMS Council items were reported at the meeting held on the 3rd May 2019. Of interest to readers and members are:
1 Projects Report
1.1 The National AM Congress
The National AM Congress took place in August 2018. It was attended by 100 delegates and included presentations by many eminent speakers addressing a range of asset management issues. Outcomes from the Congress has allowed the IPWEA Board to endorse a “Public Infrastructure Action Plan” with the following key headings:
1. Increase competency in strategic infrastructure planning 2. Maintain funding at adequate levels for local government to deliver sustainable asset management plans 3. Promote effective knowledge sharing 4. Embrace emerging digital technology 5. Drive organisational cultural improvement 6. Build right place, right time projects 7. Provide investment and planning certainty 8. Integrate and coordinate national infrastructure planning
It is anticipated that the broader NAMS and advocacy initiatives should be consistent with the relevant elements of the Action Plan.
1.2 Asset Management Basics
Asset Management Basics (AMB) – Applying Infrastructure Asset Management Principles has been completed and is now available in hard copy or as part of the new E-Library. AMB is designed as a companion document to the IIMM and has been written to assist people and organizations that are new to asset management and need a grasp of the basic requirements of asset management planning. It is designed to be a resource that can be used by a variety of staff and elected members starting the journey of understanding the requirements of base and core level asset management planning.
1.3 ISO Asset Management Standards
The new updated version of AS ISO 55002:2019 has been published and also adopted as a Standards Australia version. Copies can be obtained through SAI Global at: https://infostore.saiglobal.com/en-au/Standards/AS-ISO-55002-2019-111504_SAIG_AS_AS_2718755/
This new version includes much more detail on issues like the suggested content of a SAMP and scope of AM systems etc. There is also good information on the content available through the TC 251 website at: https://committee.iso.org/home/tc251
This website also includes some good articles that have been published on topics such as Why and How to achieve alignment between AM and Financial Management functions.
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The new ISO 55010 aligning Financial and non-Financial Functions is progressing well with the ballot for adoption and publication being recently approved with no votes against. Some suggestions for improvement were received and the Working Group that I convene is working through those to incorporate. We are looking to finalise the document at the forthcoming meeting in China in May. It is hoped it will be published during the third quarter 2019.
A new Draft Standard 55011 on setting Government Policy for AM is still at draft stage and has also recently been open for comment. The Australian Mirror Committee expressed strong reservations about the quality of the document and voted against it in its current form. This is still a work in progress.
Other ISO works recently published include ISO 41001:2018, Facilities Management systems – Requirements with guidance for use. Again, this is available through SAI Global.
1.4 International Infrastructure Financial Management Manual (IIFMM)
The document is currently being revised and updated following feedback through the review process by a selected team of reviewers including our NAMS experts and several international reviewers. We have been fortunate in involving KPMG Australia to be part of the review process. We have also had feedback from the International Federation of Accountants based in New York. A significant number of suggested enhancements were received requiring further work. Final editing is now taking place. This means it is likely the finished document will be ready for launch later in the year.
1.5 Resource Development
Elected Member Training Resources The training materials for both elected Member awareness and Introduction to AM have been temporarily placed on hold to ensure that our team efforts are both consistent with AMBasics and our strategy to communicate credible and consistent messaging to elected members is on the right path.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Education Programs Professional Honours and Postgraduate programs are run in partnership with the University of Tasmania and the Centre for Pavement Engineering Education (CPEE). Details can be found at: https://www.pavementeducation.edu.au/study/programs/programs/
Investigations continue on expanding the program to develop further courses at AQF5 level to build the capability of technical officers in Asset Management.
Training Programs Professional Certificate in Asset Management Planning
The Professional Certificate in Asset Management Planning is delivered across the globe and supported by the American/Canadian Public Works Association, Canadian Network of Asset Managers, Finnish Association of Municipal Engineering and the International Federation of Municipal Engineering.
The course includes: • 8 live webinar presentations held over 10 weeks • Forum challenges
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• Multiple choice questions • Two assignments • ‘How to’ videos and resources • Qualification of Professional Certificate in Asset Management Planning
Details are available at http://info.ipwea.org/professional-certificate-asset-management-planning and Members are encouraged to promote the short YouTube video that is an excellent promotion of the Course.
The course is currently in its 6th year of operation with registrations totalling 1,887 participants to date. The average completion rate is 77%.
A NAMS Canada specific course commenced late September 2018. Details can be found in the International Activities report.
Planning is underway to conduct courses during 2019. Details can be found at: www.ipwea.org/certificate.
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2 Information Exchange
2.1 Strategic Alliances
IPWEA is continuing discussions with the following entities to foster alliances and best practice for members.
• Asset Management Council, • Engineers Australia • Public Assets Collaborative Group • AustRoads • Australian Local Government Association
2.2 International Activities
The following Report from Chris Champion (Director International IPWEA & Secretary General IFME) on International Affairs for asset management is presented to keep NAMS Council informed on what is transpiring globally.
Chris Champion reports:
Activities in Progress • Canada. Canadian Government has provided 80%+ grant subsidy of 6 Professional Certificate courses in Asset Management Planning for the 18 months ending 31 December 2019. • Courses #10 and #12 successfully delivered and fully subscribed with over 200 participants in each “Canada Only” course. • Course #11 is the AU course which had a further 21 International enrolments (CA, US, MU, RSA). • Course #13 commenced 26 Feb and was fully subscribed with 200 enrolments. • Course #14 is a further International course which commenced March 21/22, 2019. • Course #15 for Canadian municipalities only commences April 30, 2019. • A 3 further courses scheduled for delivery in 2019 (CA, AU/Int, French Canadian) • Now 3 presenters in CA to support AU presenters.
New Initiatives • International Opportunities continue to be explored. Director International is gradually phasing across from operational to governance role with passing over of responsibilities to Nicole Allen, Executive Director, NAMS Canada. Director International proposes to continue exploring new international opportunities as they arise. • Work underway for translating Professional Certificate platform and course materials into French-Canadian (grant funded). Will provide significant future capacity to translate to other languages in time. • Swedish Public Works Association has sponsored 4 participants in Course #14 (March 2019) and commissioned an AM in Sweden study to explore suitability of Professional Certificate to wider application in Sweden. • Director International is presenting at AITF (France) & FAME (Finland) Association Conferences in May/June 2019. Combined with the Board Meeting of IFME in France.
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• The French-Canadian translation, while not directly transferable, provides a new possibility to explore introduction to France. Finland has previously sponsored participants in the Professional Certificate and shows continued interest in expanding its interest in asset management. • APWA President, and for the first time APWA CEO, will be attending IPWEA Hobart Conference. Attendance of APWA CEO will provide continuity & new international interest. Commencing further discussions with APWA on Professional Certificate. • IPWEA’s leadership role & active involvement in IFME over the years has provided strong international networks and interest in asset management. IFME provides ongoing networking opportunities which has led to most of the above international leads. • Enrolments in the Professional Certificate are now up over 1,700 across 12 countries with an average 77% successful completion rate. • Canada now represents 44% of total enrolments (766 when adding in the about to commence Course #13) and is running at an 80% successful completion rate. • In addition, **a further 202 Canadians are enrolled in Course #13 (26 Feb start) taking total enrolments to over 1,700. By the end of 2019, the Professional Certificate could potentially hit 2,500 enrolments with Canada representing over 50% of the total.
2.3 NAMie Award
The Hobart International Public Works Conference will take place on 25 – 29 August 2019. The NAMie Award for the paper that best demonstrates the most significant contribution towards advancing AM within an organisation continues to grow in prestige and is once again up for grabs.
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3 Product & Publications Report
3.1 International Infrastructure Management Manual (IIMM)
The 5th Edition (2015) of the globally acclaimed International Infrastructure Management Manual (IIMM) has been driven largely by the introduction of the new ISO 55000 Asset Management Standards.
Recognising that the ISO Standards are very much the ‘what to do’, the IIMM provides the practical ‘how to’ in terms of applying the standards for infrastructure asset management. Refer www.ipwea.org/iimm
3.2 Australian Infrastructure Financial Management Manual (AIFMM)
The Australian Infrastructure Financial Management Manual 2015 edition was launched in October 2015 and continues to be well received. The Manual was developed by IPWEA in collaboration with the National Local Government Financial Management Forum.
A project has commenced on the development of an International version of the Infrastructure Financial Management Manual (IIFMM) based on the AIFMM.
The AIFMM 2015 Glossary is available as a free download at: www.ipwea.org/aifmm under Supporting Material as a reference point for national consistency.
3.3 Asset Management Basics (AMB) – Applying Infrastructure Asset Management Principles
The Asset Management Basics (AMB) document was released in November 2018 and has been written to assist people and organizations new to asset management that need to gain a grasp of the basic requirements of asset management planning. Refer https://www.ipwea.org/publications/ipweabookshop/amb-principles
3.4 NAMS.PLUS – Online guided pathway for Asset Management Planning
NAMS.PLUS is an annual subscription service that provides access to tools, templates, maturity models and other online resources to develop and update asset management policy, strategy and plans based on the International Infrastructure Management Manual and ISO 55000.
At the end of March 2019, there were 401 subscribers to NAMS.PLUS, an increase of 17 (4%) in the twelve months since March 2018.
Access for registered users is via the IPWEA Single-Sign On at: www.ipwea.org/namsplus
3.5 Buildings.PLUS
Buildings.Plus is a web-based software application designed for facility and property managers in any type of organisation that has a significant portfolio of buildings. It is also designed for managers of
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other assets including parks open spaces, play grounds, recreational centres, houses and educational facilities.
At the end of March 2018 there were 29 subscribers to Buildings.PLUS.
For 2018-19 the following features were released for Buildings.PLUS customers. • The NEXT generation user interface was released which has received positive reviews from customers. • Subscribers now have access to the NAMS Property e.Manual. Emails were sent out to each subscriber informing them of their access.
3.6 Practice Notes
Practice Notes are developed to provide consistent guidance to practitioners by way of articulating and applying principles and procedures supported by case studies on areas of interest.
A list of current Practice Notes can be found on the website - see www.ipwea.org/PracticeNotes
• A review process of the Practice Note suite of documents is being undertaken to ensure currency and alignment with best practice.
3.7 AUS-SPEC
AUS-SPEC is a technical specification system that assists local government in the life cycle management of their assets providing a range of templates for preparing contract documentation. Managed by NATSPEC (a national not-for-profit organisation whose objective is to improve the construction quality and productivity of the built environment through leadership of information) it is developed by the industry, for the industry and IPWEA encourages local government to subscribe to any of the AUS-SPEC packages.
AUS-SPEC is now available in eight packages, each consisting of several Templates. At the end of October 2018 there are 152 subscribers to the AUS-SPEC package.
2018 AUS-SPEC October Update
The annual AUS-SPEC update includes a total of 422 worksections, comprising of: • 19 Planning and design • 70 Construction - Civil works • 133 Construction - Building and landscape • 92 Branded worksections • 108 Maintenance
Additional AUS-SPEC resources include: 11 TECHguides, 12 TECHnotes, 7 Papers and 1 Commentary and 1 NATSPEC Maintenance Reference.
Documents cited include: 490 AS Standards, 105 Austroads and 410 other national and international publications.
In addition to the annual AUS-SPEC October Update, the 2018 Update includes a new AUS-SPEC Rural Roads Package package for the design construction and maintenance of sealed and unsealed roads for
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Rural Councils in Australia. The existing road reserve worksections comprising of 10 design, 63 construction and 45 maintenance were reviewed to include information for rural council roads and the following worksections were reissued:
Reissued worksections • 1113 Stabilisation • 1143 Sprayed bituminous surfacing. • 1146 Microsurfacing • 1602 Maintenance schedules – road reserve
New AUS-SPEC Rural Roads Package The new AUS-SPEC Rural Roads Package covers planning and design, tendering, contract preliminaries, construction, maintenance and operations of local roads in rural and remote councils. The new AUS- SPEC Rural Roads Package has been developed to assist rural and remote councils to effectively design, construct, maintain and operate the local roads. More information on the new AUS-SPEC Rural Roads Package can be found on the NATSPEC website www.natspec.com.au.
This is a simplified version of the existing AUS-SPEC Roadworks and bridges package and includes 6 new worksections, 11 cut-down worksections and 111 existing worksections amended to include additional information for sealed and unsealed roads for rural councils. New Design worksections • 0051 Geometric rural road – sealed. • 0052 Geometric rural road – unsealed. • 0053 Rural pavement design – sealed. • 0054 Rural pavement design – unsealed. New Construction worksections • 1130 Rural concrete base. • 1140 Wearing course, base and subbase – unsealed. Reissued Maintenance worksection 1602 Maintenance schedules – road reserve: This spreadsheet and includes 10 worksheets for work cost review, bitumen reseals, seal preservation, proposed construction, road reserve assets, gravel pit testing, gravel resheeting, schedule of rates and samples for plant hire and labour for road maintenance.
New TECHreport • TR08 Management of council gravel pits in country areas – A case study: This TECHreport focusses on blending of gravels from marginal gravel pits to produce defect free unsealed roads particularly focussing on impermeability and waterproofing for longer pavement life.
New TECHnotes • NTN GEN 026 Otta seal – A different approach to road sealing. • NTN GEN 027 Maintenance of unsealed roads.
New reference specifications • AUS-SPEC Design reference specifications including design checklists and a scoring sheet that will assist the rural councils to decide if they need to seal an unsealed road based on different factors. • AUS-SPEC Construction reference and schedules including Summary of Hold points and Witness points, Test frequencies and additional requirements for rural road assets.
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All the new AUS-SPEC worksections were reviewed by selected IPWEA contacts in each State, Austroads, AustStab, Australian Asphalt and Pavement Association (AAPA), Australian Road Research Board (ARRB), Councils and the Roads and Transport Directorate
Other activities • IPWEA NSW and AUS-SPEC Rural Roads Workshop, Improved methods of managing rural roads using AUS-SPEC is scheduled on 14th May in Queanbeyan. The details of the workshop are now available on the IPWEA website www.eiseverywhere.com/ and the NATSPEC website www.natspec.com.au • Use of recycled materials in road works: NATSPEC is assisting Sustainability Victoria, the Office of Projects Victoria, the Institute of Public Works Australasia, and the Civil Contractors Federation in determining opportunities to reduce our landfill. A letter was sent out to all Councils in March to seek co-operation in gathering information, Australia-wide, regarding their current policy/specifications/documentation for utilizing recycled material for new roads, road maintenance and replacement. The responses received have been compiled in a draft Project report Use of recycled materials for roadworks in local government and a new TECHnote GEN 028 Specifying recycled materials for road works using AUS-SPEC. • IPWEA inspire magazine: An AUS-SPEC article titled Meltdown was published in the April edition of the IPWEA inspire magazine, available at: https://inspire.partica.online/inspire/inspire-april-2019/flipbook/22/ • IPWEA intouch newsletter: AUS-SPEC article Using better design methods to avoid sprayed seal failures was also published and is available at: https://www.ipwea.org/blogs/intouch/2019/04/04/using-better-design-methods-to-avoid- sprayed-seal • RMS: NATSPEC has been involved in the Digital Engineering (DE) Design Industry Consultation Forums, to discuss the consistent understanding of DE, asset breakdown and information during concept design, detail design, specifications for DE on current RMS major projects, and improvements that can be made on future projects. • SBEnrc project: NATSPEC is participating in the SBEnrc Project 2.64: Unlocking Facility Value through Lifecycle Thinking and provided the participating members with the information on Asset Management and other IPWEA publications at the second Project Steering Group meeting in February 2019. • NATSPEC provides information on BIM and released the BIM related documents for the benefit of the industry available at bim.natspec.org: o Open BIM Object Standard (OBOS) o BIM Properties Generator o NATSPEC also contributed towards Australian BIM Advisory Board (ABAB) Asset Information Requirements Guide: Information required for the operation and maintenance of an asset and BIM Process Consistency: Towards a common framework for Digital Design, Construction and operation.
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4 NAMS Consultant Supporters Roundtable
The NAMS Consultants Supporters Group are integral to the success of NAMS Council by providing both subscription support but also wider industry input to the direction of the NAMS.
The Consultant Supporters Group currently comprises: • Advisian Worley Parsons • Assetic • Aurecon • AUS-SPEC (Complimentary) • CT Management • Morrison Low • SPM Assets • TechnologyOne
The NAMS Council met with the NAMS Consultant Supporters Roundtable (CRT) on Thursday 2nd May 2019 and the following outcomes were recorded from that meeting. NAMS Council expresses its ongoing appreciation for the fantastic support offered by our Consultant Supporters.
Feedback from the roundtable was that IPWEA’s Asset Management Strategy should focus on the following goals: • Increasing competency in infrastructure planning • Assist delivery of sustainable asset management plans • Improve knowledge sharing, and • Enable Organisation Improvement
A range of activities were identified to support these goals.
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5 Austroads - Assets Task Force & Projects
The Assets Task Force is part of the Austroads Assets Program and has representatives from state and territory road agencies, the National Transport Commission, the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, and the Australian Local Government Association.
The Task Force coordinates research that is working towards:
• Integrating customer defined levels of service into asset management practice • Quantifying road and bridge wear under increased loads • Providing guidance on non-pavement asset management • Ensuring the Guide to Asset Management is up-to-date • Improving the efficiency of Asset Management intervention strategies.
Since the last NAMS Meeting the Austroads Task Force met in Hobart on 27-28 February 2019.
Fleet Ride Index to better manage rural roads for freight Austroads has published a report that proposes a ride quality index of roads for heavy vehicles, a heavy vehicle equivalent of the International Roughness Index (IRI) for cars.
The study investigated the perceived safety and comfort of drivers in a range of vehicles for the purpose of setting LOS standards, as well as collecting driver seat on data to refine a new ride quality index for heavy vehicles.
The study investigated the perceived safety and comfort of drivers in a range of vehicles for the purpose of setting LOS standards, as well as collecting driver seat vibration data to refine a new ride quality index for heavy vehicles.
The value of the road freight task in Australia in relation to gross domestic product is the highest of all OECD countries. With Australia’s freight task expected to double over the next 20 years, understanding the interaction between heavy vehicles and the roads they drive on is essential.
The report is available from the Austroads website at: https://austroads.com.au/publications/asset- management/ap-t340-18
Pedestrian Crossing Facility Selection Web Tool The Australasian Pedestrian Crossing Facility Selection Web Tool ("the tool") is freely provided by Austroads and is intended to help practitioners select an appropriate pedestrian crossing facility for a particular location. The tool is based on literature, and analytical and behavioural research coupled with a number of mathematical models. Its development is detailed in the Austroads report available at: https://austroads.com.au/publications/active-travel/ap-r472-15
This report documents the research undertaken to develop a standardised tool to help practitioners select the most appropriate pedestrian crossing facility for a particular site.
The project identified a number of gaps in existing walkability and pedestrian level of service research which lacks suitable models for assessing the relative benefits of different types of facilities for midblock and intersection crossings.
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The analysis identified that the walkability of crossings could be evaluated by isolating the individual elements of perceived delay, perceived safety and comfort.
Community Street Review responses collected in a previous New Zealand research and the results of focus group surveys informed the development of additional walkability models. The tool developed from the research assesses both midblock and intersection applications of raised platforms, kerb extensions, median refuges, zebra crossings, signals, grade separation and a combination of facilities.
The initial assessment considers which types of pedestrian crossing facilities are appropriate for the traffic environment. Feasible facilities can then be evaluated in relation to pedestrian and vehicle delay, safe sight distances, pedestrian level of service and economic evaluation.
The tool can be downloaded from the Austroads website at: https://austroads.com.au/road- operations/network-operations/publications-resources/pedestrian-facility-selection-tool
Austroads Guide to Road Safety Part 6 Austroads has published an updated edition of Guide to Road Safety Part 6: Managing Road Safety Audits. The Guide provides guidance on the procurement, management and conduct of road safety audits. It aims to: • Inform practitioners new to road safety audit principles and concepts (especially project clients and project managers) and encourage the conduct of audits and other assessments to maximise their benefits • Ensure practitioners are aware of up to date operating environments and contexts (e.g. the Safe System approach to road safety), and recent developments in predictive risk assessments. • Part 6 emphasises the responsibilities of road and transport agencies and key players such as project managers, project sponsors and auditors to maximise alignment with Safe System principles by integrating them into the road safety audit process. This can be achieved by: • Relating possible crash forces to tolerable levels of the human body when identifying hazards and assessing fatal and serious injury risks • Categorising road safety audit findings and/or treatment options by their Safe System alignment.
The 2009 edition of Part 6 has been reissued as Guide to Road Safety Part 6A: Implementation of Road Safety Audits. It is expected that this will be a short-term measure, with a consolidation of Guide to Road Safety Part 6 and Guide to Road Safety Part 6A planned to remove any ambiguity, inconsistency or duplication in the texts. The consolidated guide will provide additional guidance on dealing with emerging technical and governance issues, knowledge transfer in auditing and the Safe System solutions and the training and accreditation of auditors. Where there is duplication or discrepancy between Guide to Road Safety Part 6 and Guide to Road Safety Part 6A, Part 6 will take precedence.
The online version of the Guide is being developed and will be available in March 2019.
Three other recent developments that might be of interest to NAMS Members are listed below.
Boral unveils Australia’s first forward moving aggregate spreader Boral this week has revealed a new road surfacing truck that revolutionises the method of spray seal road construction in Australia and aims to improve worker safety.
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In an event held at the Australian Road Research Board’s headquarters in Port Melbourne on Tuesday, Boral unveiled its new Boral Forward Moving Aggregate Spreader (FMAS).
The new innovative truck improves safety and maximises visibility by dispersing aggregate from the front of the truck via a conveyor belt and spreader box.
Until now, the process involved road crews working with reversing trucks that applied aggregate through an elevated tipper body.
Aside from the safety benefits for workers, the company says the new Boral FMAS can help complete works quicker and reduce any potential infrastructure and overhead damage, such as contacting power lines, trees and bridges.
Boral’s National Asset Manager – Asphalt, Stuart Partridge, said the firm designed and developed the machine following a call to industry by VicRoads because of a serious accident involving a VicRoads worker several years ago.
“Surfacing roads has remained one of the most potentially challenging tasks faced by construction crews because of the nature of the material being used and the way that material is applied,” he said.
“Rollover accidents, blind sports and high reversing tippers that can be at risk of interfering with power lines or overhanging trees, are just some of the problems associated with the current range of spreaders”
The task, he said, was to come up with a solution to improve safety for road crews and drivers, while making the process quicker, more efficient and with a higher quality.
“This invention allows locally manufactured and approved trucks to be substantially modified while still meeting regulatory standards, which is why VicRoads has mandated that forward moving aggregate spreaders should be in use on all its projects by 2022 – a move we hope will be followed by other state road authorities nationally.” Read the full article at: http://www.roadsonline.com.au
Recycling Concrete Roads Sustainable concrete pavement recycling technology has arrived in Australia through the use of the Antigo Multi-Head Badger Breaker, with asphalt overlay.
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A recent NAPA/FHWA survey confirmed that asphalt remains the US’s most recycled product and typifies the commitment of the flexible pavement industry to sustainable pavement engineering solutions, overseas and in Australia.
The savings in virgin materials, both aggregates and bitumen, from the increasing use of reclaimed asphalt pavement in construction work at its highest value application possible is self- evident, not to mention the avoidance of waste and savings of land fill space.
Full details of the process are available in a roadsonline article available at: http://www.roadsonline.com.au/bringing-infrastructure-sustainability-innovation-to-australia/
Electric vehicle charging network identified as a high priority The establishment of a nationwide electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging network within the next five years has been identified as a national high priority initiative by Australia’s infrastructure auditing and advisory body.
According to Infrastructure Australia’s acting chief executive Anna Chau, analysts estimate that by 2025, 36 per cent of the Australian fleet will be electric.
Infrastructure Australia’s own analysis suggests that by 2040 EVs will account for 70 per cent of new vehicle sales and 30 per cent of Australia’s vehicle fleet.
There are currently 2,300 EVs on Australian roads.
However, at present there are less than 800 charging stations across the nation, of which less than three quarters are fast charging, compared to more than 6,000 petrol stations.
Lack of access to charging stations has been identified by around two-thirds of motorists as a key barrier to adopting EVs, Infrastructure Australia says.
Read the full article at https://www.governmentnews.com.au/electric-vehicle-charging-network-a- high-national-priority/
NOTE: From 30th June 2018 all Austroads publications can be downloaded free of cost from the website. Registration by email is available to anyone wishing to download publications or webinars.
The next meeting of the Assets Task Force is due to be held in Melbourne on 21-22 May 2019.
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6 Around the Divisions
6.1 New South Wales Division
Activities in Progress
NSW State Election; Nothing like a state election to change the state of play; several agencies will now cease to exist as independent entities under sweeping changes to the structure of the NSW public service.
Following the recent state election, it has been announced that the NSW government will abolish key agencies including the Office of Local Government, the Office of Environment and Heritage, Roads and Maritime Service and Jobs NSW. The existing clusters encompassing; Finance, Services & Innovation; Industry; Planning & Environment; Family and Communities; and Justice will also cease to exist by 1st July.
A new cluster structure is being implemented in which the structure of the public service will now incorporate the following clusters: Stronger Communities, Customer Service, Health; Premier and Cabinet, Transport, Treasury and Education
In the lead up to the state election there were significant promises to funding infrastructure made by both parties. This will obviously have an impact on Local Government and in some cases their ability to match corresponding grant funds and or deliver the projects.
Nothing like a state election promise; A funding commitment will potentially also change the face of road ownership within NSW. The Deputy Premier John Barilaro and now former Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey announced as an election promise that more than $1 billion dollars would be made available to help clear the council roads maintenance backlog, repair NSW’s worst timber bridges, and reclaim up to 15,000 kilometres of council owned regional roads.
The package will include:
• The establishment of a $500 million Fixing Local Roads program to assist councils in repairing, maintaining and sealing important local roads; • The establishment of a $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program to replace the worst timber bridges in regional and rural communities; • A process to transfer up to 15,000 kilometres of council-owned roads back to the State; and • The establishment of an Independent Expert Panel to oversee the asset transfer process.
On a personal note; this has resulted in four years of negotiations between my Council and the RMS surrounding the old Pacific Highway handover and financial package being discarded. (my northern LGA counterparts have experienced the same dilemma). On the positive side, the issue of the depreciation that would have been accounted for in the financial reporting may no longer prove to be an issue with the statutory financial ratios. It is anticipated the maintenance of the old highway may now become subject the formation of a NSW Routine Maintenance Council Contract (RMCC).
IPWEA NSW division; IPWEA NSW has continued the dialogue with both sides of the NSW State Government by taking an impartial view on the politics, which has provided the opportunity to have a seat at the table on
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pending reform and provide advice as a leading professional entity. A luncheon is scheduled in October with the new government after the dust has settled with all the internal changes.
The Division has maintained its advocacy surrounding the importance of qualified engineers and called on both sides of the Government to introduce a requirement for all local government authorities to have a suitably qualified engineer similar to that within Queensland and Victoria. Dialogue has continued with both parties promoting good AM practice across NSW Local Government entities, NSW Government and the NSW OLG with an emphasis of NAMS, IIMM at the forefront of our discussions.
NSW AM Working Panel; The NSW AM Panel has been enhanced with four new members who now provide representation across the entire state. This will allow further work to be performed on issues unique to the NSW Local Government.
The NSW AM Panel has been reviewing the AM Panel Strategic Action Plan 2018 – 2020. The AM Panel itemised a number of projects that are unique to NSW LG. The project given the highest priority is to provide more clarification on Special Schedule Seven reporting and provide a document that is actually relevant and can be audited.
The panel workshopped Special Schedule Seven (SS7) at the meeting held in February. This is unique document to NSW which is not actually audited but forms part of the financial statements. The panel are endeavouring to make the document more relevant as an auditable document. The purpose being:
• To show long term sustainability of a Council - the problem with the current document is it only looks at the previous year and not to the future. • A document that targets an audience which comprise OLG, Treasury, Council executive • Shows current financial position of Council and looks at the 10-year forecast annualised asset expenditure, compared and linked to LTFP • Align to Councils reporting structure. Full line of sight across Note 10 SS7, including modelling, AMP and budgets. • The methodology on how to calculate “Bring to satisfactory” (BTS). This is relevant to the community as there is a vast difference from what a rural community may consider satisfactory to that of an urban or city community.
The existing Special Schedule 7 reports on the condition of public works which include: • An estimate of money required to bring assets up to a satisfactory standard • An estimate of the annual expense of maintaining assets at that standard • The council’s program of maintenance for that year in respect of the works
Other projects that will be workshopped by the panel are: • How to improve 20-year asset management planning with better alignment to LTFP • Further guidance on the development of Unit Rates for Fair Value ASB113 Compliance i.e. what should and shouldn't be included. A one-page cheat sheet to help practitioners with revaluation compliance. • Operational Planning (operations & maintenance) templates / guidelines
The NSW AM Panel meetings have been set for February, May, August and November 2019
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New Initiatives
As reported to the previous NAMS Council meeting the NSW Auditor General is now auditing all the NSW LG entities. There appears to be an increased scrutiny from the new auditors across some of the LGA’s. The IPWEA NSW Division has a consistent approach to promoting the linkage and use of: • Australian Accounting Standards • ISO 55000 Asset Management Standards. • International Infrastructure Management Manual (IIMM). Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) • IPWEA NAMPLUS Advanced Risk Register Template • IPWEA NAMSPLUS Asset Management Plan Template We see this as an opportunity to further the IPWEA brand as leading recognised agency in the field of AM in particular the recognition of NAM’s as a best practice tool.
6.2 New Zealand Division
Activities in Progress
2018 NAM Forum • Feedback received from Forum was excellent • Slido worked well for Forum session outputs – can track key issues identified • KEY issues in Outcomes document (see Attachment)
Training Opportunities • There are opportunities for NAMS NZ partners to be involved in the delivery of training. • We are proposing that NAMS Partners be requested to note their interest in any particular training area and to nominate suitable personnel.
NAMS NZ Project Update (Attachment)
Vocational Education Training. • Submission to NZ government on proposed review and reform of NZ vocational education.
New Initiatives
Optimised Decision Making (ODM) and NZ Infrastructure Financial Management (NZIFM) Manuals • The rewrite of the ODM manual has been identified as a high priority project. • The development of a joint Australasian Infrastructure Financial manual had been proposed, however the NAMS Committee decided that a NZ focused financial management manual would be more appropriate and useful for NZ context. • NAMS Partners are given opportunity to deliver the ODM and NZIFM manuals. They have been requested to provide their expression of interest in either project and to nominate suitable personnel. • A formal request for proposals was sent out to NAMS NZ Partners in April 2019.
6.3 Queensland Division
Activities in Progress
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• The new NDRRA funding arrangements commenced on the 1st November 2018. The new arrangements have an increased linkage to Asset Management registers and plans and require an acceptable form of pre-disaster asset condition evidence This has had a positive effect in motivating Councils to ensure their asset registers are up to date and accurate.
• There is currently a project being driven by the Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC) on developing measures on asset management and financial performance indicators that are more appropriate to councils’ operation of public, long-life assets.
• The Queensland Audit Office (QAO) continues to have the most impact in motivating Councils to implement improved Asset Management practices. The QAO are auditing Councils Asset Management Systems as part of their yearly external financial audit.
• The IPWEAQ State Conference is to be held in Brisbane on the 22 to the 24th October at the Royal International Convention Centre. The conference will have an Asset Management stream which will provide background on case studies of lessons learned in relation to Asset Management.
New Initiatives
• Murray Erbs and Stephen Hegedus had a successful meeting with the new Local Government Director General to discuss how the NAMS suite of products would assist the State Governments strategy to improve Councils asset management capability. We are currently organising a follow up meeting.
6.4 South Australia Division
Activities in Progress
Local Government Research & Development Scheme (LGR&DS) The Local Government Research & Development Scheme Advisory Committee produces an Annual Business Plan designed to focus on matter that will contribute to the advancement of local government for that year. The LGRS funds projects that are of strategic benefit to the local government section.
IPWEA SA has made a submission recommending asset management be one of the research topics in 2019-20. A funding submission will be made in mid-2019 to support further development of asset management in South Australia.
Asset Management Interest Group IPWEA SA will be calling for nominations for the establishment of an Asset Management Interest Group. Terms of reference, membership and meeting schedule to be developed.
Local Government Reform Idea – LGA Discussion Paper March 2016 The LGA has sort feedback from local government on reform ideas to inform a sector-wide submission to State Government on sensible and effective changes. The LGA has prepared a Discussion Paper which outlines a number of preliminary reform ideas. These ideas include reform of asset management to include in the Local Government Act or in regulations a consistent approach to asset management planning and long-term financial planning. IPWEA SA will consider making a submission to reform asset management in SA.
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2019 IPWEA (SA) State Conference The 2019 IPWEA SA state conference will be held on 31 May 2019. Included in the program are number of asset management presentations: • JetBlack – Surface Enrichment • Stormwater Condition Assessment Project • Crumbed Rubber Asphalt Trial – Stanlake Avenue, St Marys • Working better together – fence to fence renewal program.
6.5 Tasmania Division
Activities in Progress
• The Tas Asset Management Group met on 5 April with John Howard, LGAT, Tas Audit Office (TAO) and Local Government Division (LGD) attending the meeting as well as a number of financial officers attending which was pleasing to see. The LGAT again supported the meeting and were able to arrange the visit of the TAO and LGD. The meeting covered LGAT updates, a presentation from John on Audit Panels, a presentation from the TAO on their role and an update on the accounting standards, a review of the Group Action list, compiling asset unit rates and lives, found assets, the ownership and responsibility for street lights. The day was well received by those in attendance. The IPWEA IPWC was promoted at the meeting to make the group aware of the event in August.
• Tasmanian Local Government Act review. A working group from the AM Group meet to discuss the LG Act review. No critical issues where identified, and the asset and financial part of the Act was put in place in 2014 and is seen to be appropriate at this time. Some minor recommendations were noted, and these have been forwarded on to the LGD for their consideration.
• The LGAT continues to support asset management with in the state. LGAT have been in contact with Allen Mapstone to obtain further details on the SAMP Template and NAMS.PLUS. It was noted however there is a decline in the number of NAMS.PLUS subscriptions in Tas to 23 which needs further review and action.
New Initiatives
• LGAT has remaining reform funding and is looking at future opportunities to invest this remaining funding. Ideas proposed at the April AM meeting flagged a number of areas including; targeting professionals; more guidance material; training; target elected representatives; assist in communicating AM concepts and improving decision making. There is a group message board and this issue will be a topic put to the group to discuss leading into the next AM group meeting later this year.
• As a result of recent events in Tas including bush fires and flooding, an action for the AM Group is to invite the Tas Climate Change Office to a future meeting to discuss the impact of these events and how they may affect assets and services provided to the community.
• An area identified for further work by the AM group in October was a formalised AM tool kit that can be used to promote AM with elected members and the community. Another area identified relates to LG Act requirements around levels of service consultation and community engagement.
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A working group has been set up to review this issue and provide recommendations to the next AM Group meeting.
6.6 Victorian Division
Activities in Progress
2019 IPWEA VIC State Conference PWC19 will be held on the 9th and 10th of May 2019 at the Arts Centre Melbourne. It will focus on Engineering Thriving Communities and address smart technology, asset management, sustainable liveability and performance enhancement. Graeme Emonson – Executive Director – Local Government Victoria, is the key note speaker for the Intelligent Asset Management stream with IPWEA/IPWEA (Vic) partner CT Management Group making the first presentation.
IPWEA VIC Strategic Asset Management Intensive - February 2019 Following a successful pilot in 2018, SAMI was presented again in February 2019. The Intensive comprises three IPWEA Training Courses presented by Allen Mapstone, Steve Verity and John Comrie, supported by IPWEA reference material. The three-day program covered the why, what and how of best practice asset management. SAMI19 was presented to representatives from five Victorian Councils (Cities of Bendigo, Geelong, Maribyrnong, Melton and Mt Alexander Shire). Eleven Victorian Councils (14%) have now participated in the SAMI program and we hope to present it again in 2020.
IPWEA VIC Podium Program 2019-20 The Podium Program is being run again this year. Access to the new IPWEA Asset Management webinars has been included in the 2019-20 Podium Program for the first time as can be seen in the event program below.
Victorian Local Government Act – Review The Local Government Bill 2018 included the following clause requiring the establishment of an Asset Plan:
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Engineers Registration Bill – Current Status The second reading of the Professional Engineers Registration Bill 2019 was moved by Treasurer Tim Pallas on 6 March 2019 and we await its progress with great interest. Again, we anticipate that it may pass quickly into legislation given the government’s increased numbers in both houses since the 2018 state election.
New Initiatives
Victorian Asset Management Working Group Following the report to the last meeting. Further consideration was given to the possibility of establishing an asset Management working group to focus practitioner issues around asset and financial Management via IPWEA VIC and act as a forum to collect and distil opportunities for improvement and how IPWEA can assist. The aim was to provide a conduit of relevant and up-to-date information for NAMS Council consideration and action.
It has been identified that there are several regional AM Groups operating informally around the State. Further investigation will continue into how this energy can be coordinated for the benefit of the Local Government AM industry.
6.7 Western Australian Division
Activities in Progress
• A proposal to undertake a student research project relating to asset management in WA has been positively received by a local university. The project, involving asset management maturity research of WA state and local government authorities, will be offered to final year students for 2020.
• The WA Division is continuing to plan a Roadshow, to take the IPWEA message, including asset management, to regional areas.
• In relation to asset management related forums and training, the IPWEA State Conference was held during 13 to 15 March 2019. This included presentations: o A Contractor’s Experiences in Stormwater Asset Data Collection for Australian Councils by Sean Rice of Proterra. This outlined the data collection process that the organisation uses including Quickview Cameras, and CCTV, and guided by Practice Note 5. The presentation covered a range of ‘how to’ explanations and included (very generously) example data collection procedures and sheets.
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o Connected Automated Vehicle and Emerging Transport Technology, by Iain Cameron Dept of Transport and followed by a panel discussion. The key learnings included: § The expected update in Australia of autonomous vehicles would take 20 years due to the usual replacement cycle of our country’s fleet and the legislative changes required. § The first autonomous vehicles would require hands-on control in access streets (majority of the network), with the vehicle able to operate to varying degrees of autonomation on freeways and highways where the road environment is more controlled. § Debate on whether autonomous vehicles would be good for the economy due to ability to work / be productive during the work commute as most users would be travelling for short distances. Shuttle / bus automation could provide financial benefits due to the controlled routes. § There is an increasing range of sensors available on newer vehicles, which rely on standardised road networks. § The changes / standardisation of road markings, signage and designs across Australia would require significant investment to both upgrade existing infrastructure and develop those nationwide standards. o The Future of Road Design MX Software, by Myles Busbridge. This explained the process that GHD in Australia went through to assess new design software due to their former software provider no longer supporting the product. The process included designing three similar projects using the different software available to identify all the issues, from which they could select the best solution. o Assets in a Harsh Environment – Avoiding Collapse, by Alex Clapin. Provided examples of the impacts to our marine/coastal infrastructure that has been under- managed, where significant failures have gained notoriety and solutions around managing them going forward. o The Changing Face of Retaining Walls and Foreshore Protection by Angela La Loggia. History of retaining systems, the current challenges and options available with examples of the latest technologies used by Austral Masonary in rail and water projects and at the Barangaroo site. o The Jungle of Soft and Green Assets by Paul Handcock and Janine Ahola. The City of Melville’s story on implementing the IPWEA Practice Notes to improve their asset register and processes for managing parks and reserve assets. o Asset Management Data Visualisation, by Hein Aucamp. Using data to visualise a situation/support a decision isn’t a new. Hein presented historical examples of visualisation since the 1800’s and the detailed the modern advantages available across three tiers of strategic asset management. o Future of Street Lighting in WA, by the City of Nedlands. Detailed the City’s journey to implement LED street lighting, taking ownership of Western Power inventories and the associated technologies used to improve service and affordability for their community. o Managing Infrastructure for Future Sustainability by Harish Patel and Travis Gilbertson. Detailed their strategic asset management planning of university assets through the implementation of prioritisation matrices and visualisation through “bubblegraphs” of the capacity, utilisation and financial impacts. o This was followed by a presentation on the WA Energy Future which detailed the changing consumption and generation patterns as technologies change towards greater generation through renewables
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New Initiatives
• The Local Government Guidelines for Subdivisional Development, Version 2.3 was released in 2018. A new working group is being formed to commence the review for the next major update of the guideline. • The IPWEA Restoration and Reinstatement Specification for WA, published in 2002, is going to be reviewed and updated during 2019. • Main Roads WA and IPWEA joint technical group and steering committee has been formed to address operational issues.
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7 Next NAMS Council Meetings
Schedule for the next two meetings:
39th NAMS Council meeting Melbourne Friday 29th Nov 2019 40th NAMS Council meeting Melbourne Friday TBA May 2019
Consultant Supporters Roundtable Melbourne Thursday TBA May 2019
NAMS Council is an initiative of the IPWEA.
The NAMS (National Asset Management Strategy) Council supports the IPWEA to be the peak professional association that enhances the quality of life in communities by providing consistent leadership, advocacy, and best practice in the sustainable management of public works infrastructure, community assets and services.
NAMS Council members are:
Chair: Murray Erbs, [email protected]
Division Delegates: Paul Gallagher, NSW, Chris Haskas, SA, [email protected] [email protected] Dukessa Blackburn-Huettner, NZ Robert Little, Tas, [email protected] [email protected] Kathy Dever-Todd, NZ Ross Goyne, Vic, [email protected] [email protected] Stephen Hegedus, Qld, Ryan Ferts, WA, [email protected] [email protected]
IPWEA Australasia Office: Ben Balov, Acting CEO, [email protected] Steve Verity, Principal Advisor, [email protected]
IPWEA Australasia Level 12, 32 Walker St, North Sydney NSW 2060 T 02 8607 0485 E [email protected] W www.ipwea.org
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