25–26 May 2005
Melbourne Convention Centre (Latrobe Theatre)
In the past decade there has been a remarkable convergence of direction in many countries with community sustainability becoming the core strategic function of government. The critical role of asset management in planning for community sustainability has placed this task on the centre stage of the political landscape locally and globally, and everywhere in between.
State and Federal Government departments and agencies are increasingly seeking assurances that asset management is being well managed as a precondition of funding Local Government.
The 2005 International Local Government Asset Management Conference will explore new dimensions in asset management including asset rationalisation, the looming human resource crisis in asset management, the end of nonfeasance, public private partnerships, the new accounting standard and integration with risk management.
Perennial conference favourite, Dr Craig Shepherd from the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research, will issue a challenge to better integrate asset management practices with long term community planning. Craig will cast aspersions on policies of avoiding debt and maintaining under utilised assets. He claims that reluctance to move away from this cautious approach is threatening governments’ ability to plan for a better future for communities.
Strategic Advisor to Christchurch City Council, Rex Harrison, will discuss the impact of New Zealand’s new Local Government Act (2002), requiring asset management to take place in the context of long term planning for community sustainability and significant community participation.
Further conference information is available at www.mav.asn.au/asset2005
