As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, effective asset management must evolve beyond traditional maintenance to empower communities with the tools and resilience needed to prepare for and respond to these escalating challenges. Local councils face growing pressures to safeguard infrastructure while ensuring rapid recovery when crises strike. Integrating advanced technologies into asset management practices is essential for building stronger, disaster-ready communities.
SHEPHERD’s approach leverages AI-driven tools, cloud-based systems, and real-time data collection platforms such as RACAS® to transform how councils manage and protect assets. AI-enabled defect detection and in-car identification capabilities provide faster, more accurate condition assessments, enabling councils to respond swiftly and efficiently. The integration of these technologies into Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) processes ensures transparency and accelerates damage assessments, reducing risks and minimising recovery times.
The ability to share real-time data with Disaster Coordination Centres enhances situational awareness, allowing councils to allocate resources efficiently and make informed decisions during emergencies. Case studies, including successful deployments most recently in the Shires of Paroo and Bulloo following record breaking floods, illustrate how these technologies have reduced recovery times and improved community outcomes. The ability to hit the ground running by having pre-established procurement arrangements in place is also highlighted in these examples.
Additionally, maintaining comprehensive and current condition data not only supports compliance but also informs long-term financial planning, helping councils allocate budgets more effectively to enhance service delivery. By transforming data into actionable insights, councils can optimise maintenance schedules, prioritize critical repairs, and build a resilient infrastructure that serves the community’s needs.
As councils strive to shape tomorrow's world, embracing technology is not just an option—it is the cornerstone of sustainable asset management and disaster readiness. By integrating technology into everyday practices, councils can ensure stronger, safer communities capable of withstanding future challenges.