Gladstone Regional Council Gets Mobile with Online Works Program

Abstract

Maintaining complex spreadsheets, second guessing service levels, collecting road asset data that no one uses, juggling budget implications, and trying to communicate the bigger picture to Council are common frustrations associated with forward works programming. But not so for the team at Gladstone Regional Council who now deliver their works programs live via an online GIS platform with the ability to make practical engineering adjustments in the field that automatically update the bottom line in real time. Visually engaging and easy to navigate, online mapping of the works program clearly communicates where planned works are located in the region using traffic light colours. The integrated mobility tool automatically syncs back to the online works program allowing field staff to go paperless. And all this without the need for specialised software or IT expertise. Powering this innovative technology is a detailed data set collected and modelled by consulting engineering firm SHEPHERD as part of completing Council’s road condition assessment, comprehensive revaluation and road renewal program. Council’s affordable and practical works programs for reseal, pavement rehabs and unsealed re-sheets were developed using defined service level metrics integrated with high definition imagery and GIS data from the road condition survey. Effective modelling tools were also applied to the data set, balancing theory with practical delivery to ensure outcomes that meet both engineering and financial requirements. Importantly, this same data set was also used to complete Council’s comprehensive revaluation. Using knowledge held within the organisation as well as the expertise and tools of SHEPHERD, Council has advanced its Road Asset Management and developed practical service levels that are sustainable within current funding levels. A collaborative approach and the ability to visually demonstrate scenarios using online mapping tools has resulted in organisational buy-in, from supervisors through to councillors. The objective of this paper will be to: • Share Gladstone Regional Council’s Road Asset Management Journey; • Step through the data collection and analysis process with a focus on balancing metrics with practical delivery; • Demonstrate the features and benefits of the online Works Program including the online GIS platform, web mapping and mobility tools; and • Explore lessons learnt.