Local Government Reform Fund: Asset Management

Local Government Reform Fund: Asset Management and Long Term Financial Planning for Councils

LGANT is working with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services and the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) to deliver asset management training to councils with the work funded from the Local Government Reform Fund. IPWEA has developed the National Asset Management Strategy (NAMS) and associated “NAMS.PLUS” database tools.

Training is available for elected members and relevant staff members, and all councils will receive access to the IPWEA NAMS.PLUS database.

The courses available are:

Sustainable Communities: A two-hour professional development session for elected members. This course is designed for all council elected members. It introduces the concept of long term asset management and planning including ‘whole of life’ costs and financial sustainability, explains the national context, emphasises the ‘stewardship’ role of councils and their elected members and helps to find ways to manage a ‘funding gap’. As the council decision makers, elected members have an important role to play in this long term community planning. Key messages include:

• Understanding our stewardship responsibilities;
• Know what your community can afford; and
• Move towards long term planning and budgeting

NAMS.PLUS: A four day training course delivered in two blocks of two days for infrastructure, finance and asset management staff

Asset Management for Small, Rural, Remote Communities (AM4SRRC): A 2-day training course based on the NAMS.PLUS model, but streamlined to make it more relevant for small and remote councils

Training is being conducted across the Northern Territory, in each of the regions and councils are encouraged to contact Shenagh Gamble on 08 8944 9664 to arrange training sessions.