City of Wodonga’s Asset Management Officer, Jim Maher, has won the 1999 AFMA Fleet Manager of the Year Award. This prestigious award was presented last month at the Australasian Fleet Managers Awards (AFMA) Dinner held at the Sydney Hilton. The Australasian Fleet Managers Association (AFMA) members are responsible for an estimated 800,000 vehicles.
The award was presented by Mike Flower, General Manager of Esanda Fleet Partners, sponsors of the award. In 1995, the City of Wodonga’s fleet and plant operations underwent a complete revision leading to radical fleet restructure and the introduction of a dedicated Fleet Management Unit within Council. The unit focused on providing a service to both the Client and Provider sides of Council.
During the three year restructure Jim Maher successfully identified a number of key issues such as reduction of total fleet costs, review of documentation and procedures, development and implementation of fleet software and the benefits to be gained by running a fleet as a commercial unit.
He then devised and implemented a number of successful strategies which brought the following results.
- A $20,000 reduction in annual fuel costs
- A 7% reduction in insurance costs through driver testing and education
- Maximising residual values through a more flexible disposal program
- A clear future for fleet and plant operations through a comprehensive business plan
Jim Maher said that winning the award was great recognition for the Council. “This is something that is not usually associated with Local Government and just goes to prove what Councils can achieve over and above core Council business,” he said.
He added that there was huge support given to the project by the Councillors and Senior Management. “It has been a real team effort,” Jim Maher said.
For further information contact Jim Maher, telephone (02) 6055 9200.
