What we heard

Desire for an increased level of service for Aquatic Centres (swimming pools and splash parks), lighting, sports pavilions, and public toilets.

Happy with lowering service level for shelters, park furniture, kerbs, and community buildings.

Our Response

Section 6.4 of the Asset Plan outlines that the service levels set by Council are based on community expectation, legislated levels of service and subject matter standards, and are detailed within the respective Asset Management Plans based against affordability.

We acknowledge that where a higher service level provision is required due to higher need and utilisation, it will increase the level of service of that particular asset.

Section B of the Asset Plan details the funding decisions that were made with consideration to feedback from the community.

What we heard

Through the first two phases of consultation, we heard that the top four asset management principles were:

1. Assets promote an active and healthy community
2. Asset risks are minimised to keep the community safe
3. Assets are equitable & accessible to the whole community
4. Assets promote community connectivity.

Our response

Section 4.7 of the Asset Plan includes the top four principles as strongly supported by the community.

What we heard

Through community consultation four new asset management principles were developed and supported when presented back. These were:

1. Assets meet the diverse and changing needs of the community
2. Assets demonstrate connection to First Peoples
3. Infrastructure decisions consider environmental, social and financial sustainability
4. Assets are optimised for useability.

Our response

Section 4.7 of the Asset Plan includes all four newly developed principles to complete a suite of eight Asset Management Principles. The eight principles were presented to the reconvened focus group during the third phase of consultation and were strongly supported.

What we heard

When presented with the dilemma of renewing vs maintaining assets, focus group participants opted Continuing to maintain current assets at their current standard, with any significant upgrades to be funded in full by only by grants or to Reduce and consolidate some services now to pay for new and upgrades infrastructure in future as their preferred means of managing assets into the future.

Our response

Section 7 focuses on ‘funding for the future’ where Section 7.1 highlights that the 10-year Asset Plan is aligned and integrated to the 10-year Financial Plan. This is a critical approach when responding to the dilemma of renewing vs maintaining assets.

Section 7.2 of the Asset Plan looks at our asset investment strategies. Our asset investment strategies align and integrate with our asset management and financial planning principles.

We will aspire to:

•Optimise asset life through timely and effective maintenance

• Continue to place a high priority on renewing our ageing assets

• Manage the impacts of growth by being strategic in how we plan for our future asset needs

• Comply with our obligations by actioning legislated standards in asset planning and development

• Provide affordable services by balancing community needs and aspirations with what ratepayers can afford

• Build resilient assets that not only deliver the best outcome for our community but also the best outcome for the environment.

What we heard

Community belief that First Peoples inclusion in the plan should be a given and not just an asset management principle that is prioritised up against other principles.

Our response

Section 3.3 of the Asset Plan outlines a ‘caring for country’ approach towards asset planning. The City of Whittlesea is committed to delivering our asset management practices and processes respectfully, with an awareness of the relationship between First Peoples and Country, inclusive of land, water, plants, animals and cultures.

By including the asset management principle Assets demonstrate connection to First Peoples, ensures that any decisions related to new, renewal or upgrade of Council assets will have a lens to consider First Peoples and any potential cultural impacts and future connections.