As Local Government consolidates its national efforts to secure more sustainable funding arrangements, billions of dollars worth of ageing infrastructure continues to present a significant challenge for Councils across the country. There is a growing number of reports at the national and state level expressing concern about the long term financial sustainability of a sizable proportion of Councils.
Improvements to Council data, reporting and analysis have helped identify a growing underspend on assets as the most significant factor contributing to the ‘at risk’ financial status facing many municipalities. As a result, other levels of government are seeking confirmation of the capability of the Local Government sector to address its asset management responsibilities as a pre condition for improved funding outcomes for the sector.
Global trends suggest the identification of asset funding liabilities, development of management plans, establishment of agreed service standards and a focus on community priorities if Councils are to overcome their asset renewal challenges into the future.
The 2007 National Local Government Asset Management Conference, to be hosted by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) in Melbourne on 9-10 May, will explore the inter relationship between improving asset management practices and delivering community sustainability.
The program will examine how Councils can make a difference by integrating ‘whole of organisation’ asset management with long term financial planning and community service priorities.
An important event for Local Government Councillors, CEOs, asset managers, financial managers and risk managers, it will provide invaluable information and tools to be applied at the local level.
For conference program and registration details visit www.mav.asn.au/majorevents/lgam
