Regional Infrastructure Projects Update - March 2014

By: Regional Infrastructure Projects Coordinator, Steven Cosatto:

As has been previously discussed I am now gradually transitioning into FNQROC's Regional Infrastructure Projects role with the handover expected to be complete by June 2014.  Over the next 12 months I will be facilitating meetings/projects for the regional groups associated with roads, asset management and waste.  Fortunately, through my procurement role, I have been involved with these groups to some degree previously.

The Regional Asset Management and Regional Waste Management Groups have not been established for as long the Regional Roads & Transport Group however I look forward to being involved with their current projects which I feel will provide significant benefits to the region.

Regional Asset Management Group (RAMG)

The Regional Asset Management group met at the end of February and as a result of this meeting we are currently establishing a regional useful life and residual value register.  

An initial investigation identified some variances between Councils and with some negotiation and substantiation we should be able to develop a regional register for useful life and residual value.

We are currently compiling Council information in order to come to some agreement at our next meeting in May.  In the first instance we are looking at road and water and waste assets (linked to QWRAP direction).  It is believed this will assist in reducing Council depreciation costs (having a positive impact on financial statements) and support dialogue with auditors and valuers.

Regional Waste Management Group (RWMG)

The RWMG is one of the newest groups established by FNQROC.  At the sake of repeating Amanda's section in procurement, it is hoped that by combining the region's resources in this area we can address the service issue regarding the management of the scrap metal stockpiles, particularly during cyclone season.