With the massive investment in infrastructure in the post war baby boom period coming to the end of its life, Australian Local Government is faced with a once in a generation infrastructure challenge in the next decade and beyond. The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) responded to this challenge in February with the launch of a new DVD.
IPWEA CEO, Chris Champion, said the DVD, Sustainable Communities – Critical Insights, has been pre sold through Local Government Associations to the great majority of Councils across Australia. “Some 500 DVDs have already been dispatched,” he said.
Nationally, Local Government is responsible for more than $180 billion worth of infrastructure. Chris Champion said just like 50 years ago when most of this infrastructure was installed, the renewal challenge would require teamwork between Councillors, engineers, finance and other staff.
“The key message of the DVD is that Councils need to prepare and plan for the work required and to ensure that the organisation as a whole is working together,” he said. “Given Councils only have access to one tax and much of the original infrastructure was funded by developers and other spheres of government, the looming crisis is that they won’t have the revenue to fund renewal or replacement of the roads, drains, clubrooms and libraries when they are in dire need of attention. A well planned approach will put Councils in a strong position to advocate for more funding from other governments, and to prioritise its allocation of scarce resources.”
The DVD’s message has three elements to it. Firstly, elected members and the community need to be fully aware of the stewardship role and responsibility they have when passing down community infrastructure to the next generation. Secondly, resources need to be invested into infrastructure planning and, lastly, infrastructure needs to become an essential part of doing business.
“After all, infrastructure is the very foundation of our communities; it underpins the services our communities enjoy,” Chris Champion said.
For further information contact Chris Champion on 0407 207 934.
