With risk management the key plank of its asset management program, Moira Shire uses the Australian Standard for risk management, AS4370 for all its inspections.
“We are over servicing our inspection regime to be sure we are dealing with the extreme risks,” said General Manager Engineering, Gary Van Driel. “Using Conquest Software as our asset management system, inspection and maintenance records are entered directly via lap tops in the field. From this data, we are then able to establish candidate lists and prioritise work. Any extreme risks on the road network must be made safe within 48 hours and then we move on to the high risks.”
He said with some 3,500 kilometres of roads, the focus is on managing risks in the network rather than an interventionist approach, that is when a pothole gets to a certain size fix it.
Council has prepared a draft Road Asset Management Plan and it is now looking at its other asset portfolios. Moira is committed to the Municipal Association of Victoria’s STEP Program. Currently there are 75 councils involved in this Program. Launched in late 2002, the Step Asset Management Mentoring Program provides councils with a ‘whole of organisation’ perspective and a best practice framework to enable continuous improvement in their asset management practices.
Moira Shire is also a member of the North East Regional Councils Asset Management Group. Comprising a dozen councils in the region, this group meets every month to network and share best practice. Under the Victorian Road Management Act (2004), all Councils must have a plan to manage their roads. This must cover inspection, prioritisation, repair and renewal programs.
“We must have a register of public roads and develop a plan so the community can understand how Council intends to manage their roads,” Gary Van Driel said. “Should any litigation arise, this process provides a defence for councils by proving that it has been fair and reasonable in maintaining its assets.”
