A joint project between the City of Booroondara and Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs will contribute to advanced management of infrastructure assets, including buildings, parks, machinery, roads and drains.
The project initially involves the use of new technology in capturing Boroondara’s asset management data, including the condition and location of assets. Through the partnership agreement with Swinburne, postgraduate students will use the data to set up advanced modelling tools under academic supervision. This will enable the Council to plan more comprehensively and professionally for asset management and renewal.
The project will be undertaken in five stages, the first of which began in January 2001. The next stage involves the purchase of equipment and the development of processes and trials. It will culminate in January 2003 with the implementation of research projects by the postgraduate students, aimed at providing advanced maintenance and renewal models for infrastructure areas where there is currently limited knowledge.
Booroondara’s Director of Works and Governance, John Nevins, said asset management is one of the most important areas facing Federal, State and Local Governments.
“This project aims to meet the needs and expectations of the community, while fitting in with the Council Plan,” he said. “The pilot program will have wide benefits for Booroondara, Swinburne University of Technology and the local community. Through the program, Boroondara will continue to improve its asset management, maintenance and replacement processes, while at the same time making a valuable contribution to higher learning in partnership with Swinburne University. The project will also provide better services for the community and improve the presentation of the City.”
For further information contact John Nevins, telephone (03) 9278 4444.