Definitions
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Council |
means Casey City Council, being a body corporate constituted as a municipal Council under the Local Government Act 1989 |
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Councillors |
means the individuals holding the office of a member of Casey City Council |
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Council officer |
means the Chief Executive Officer and staff of Council appointed by the Chief Executive Officer. |
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Service |
means a collection of tangible and intangible activities, functions and benefits that can be undertaken, produced, provided or consumed, either directly or indirectly for the Community to enable Council to achieve its objectives |
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Asset Management |
Means the systematic and coordinated activities and practices through which Council optimally manages its physical assets and their associated performance, risks and expenditure over their lifecycle for the purpose of achieving its Council Plan. |
Scope
This Policy applies to all services and assets delivered by, or on behalf of, the City of Casey.
This Policy is supported by the development and review of policies for operational, maintenance and capital expenditure.
Context
The role of service planning is to optimise service delivery for the community by bringing together community expectations, strategic planning, operational practice, asset management and long term financial planning.
A service led integrated approach provides a focus on the needs of the community and the role of Council to inform the levels of service required from Council’s assets. This will directly inform where financial investment is made and ensure we are delivering on the community’s priorities.
Benefits of an integrated approach include:
- Shared understanding of the service and required service levels,
- Knowledge of the total cost of the service,
- Knowledge of the whole of life cost of assets,
- Alignment and understanding of responsibility,
- Clarity of future direction, and
- Informed decision making
The role of asset management is to optimise the management of physical assets and their associated performance, risks and expenditure over the total lifecycle of the asset.
This Policy is supported by the Casey Property Strategy which guides decision making in relation to the acquisition, leasing, use, maintenance and disposal of Council assets and Council owned land.
Policy
5.1 Key Principles
In undertaking its service planning and asset management activities, Council commits to the following principles:
- Understand and take into account community expectations in all significant decisions affecting service delivery and infrastructure.
- Take a forward-looking, long-term view to the provision and management of services and assets.
- Align with strategic documents to create an agreed pathway for service delivery and asset management.
- Prioritise funding to meet strategic objectives, legislative obligations, management of risk, community need and deliver community benefit.
- Ensure existing assets continue to deliver the required level of service.
- Seek out innovative solutions and adopt a program of continuous improvement.
- Consider the risk to Council and the risk to the community.
5.2 Role of Council
Council is the decision maker for material changes to services and assets and where there is a significant change in the level of service.
A material change to a service may include choosing to exit a service, ceasing to deliver part of a service or entering into delivery of a new service.
An example of a significant change in the level of service may include increasing/decreasing the hours of service delivery.
One of Council’s core responsibilities is delivering a balanced and sustainable budget for the municipality. Any changes to services or assets need to be considered in the context of the overall budget.
5.3 Role of Council Officers
Council officers are accountable for the quality of services delivered by Council and are responsible for the operational decisions in the delivery of services and management of assets.
Officers will ensure that the appropriate governance arrangements are in place to deliver on Council’s commitment to integrated service planning, financial planning and asset management.
Officers will develop and maintain appropriate strategic documents, policies and plans required to continuously improve the systems, processes and information required to effectively and efficiently manage Council’s services and assets in the long term.
Administrative updates
It is recognised that, from time to time, circumstances may change leading to the need for minor administrative changes to this document. Where an update does not materially alter this document, such a change may be made administratively. Examples include a change to the name of a Council department, a change to the name of a Federal or State Government department, and a minor update to legislation which does not have a material impact. However, any change or update which materially alters this document must be by resolution of Council.
Review
The next review of this document is scheduled for completion by 30 July 2021.
Disclaimer
Council policy documents change from time to time and it is recommended that you consult the electronic reference copy at www.casey.vic.gov.au/policiesstrategies to ensure that you have the current version. Alternatively you may contact Customer Service on 9705 5200.