Review of infrastructure management plan and strategy for whittlesea city council

Review of infrastructure management plan and strategy for whittlesea city council

Abstract

This report provides a brief review of the current infrastructure management plan for Whittlesea city council, Which is one of the fastest growing municipalities of melbourne. This report focuses on three key categories: Transport, water and council buildings/parks. The significant growth in suburbs like Epping, Mernda and Wollert has placed rapid pressure on road networks, public transport and essential public amenities. The report evaluates the council's strategies for maintaining and improving these infrastructures to cater to the growing demand of the public. The report also highlights the issues that may be faced by the council such as congestion in public transport and roads, Increased demand of public amenities, Improved quality of roads and lightings, and also the increased maintenance cost for all the facilities that may be necessary for the public. Sustainability is the top priority with the council promoting a sustainable approach for the development and construction of the infrastructure. Despite these efforts, further investment and research is required to serve the increasing population. This report also highlights opportunities for improvement, including the expansion of roads and better service for water systems. Addressing these areas, Whittlesea city council can ensure a sustainable and developed service for its increasing population.

1.0 Introduction

The Whittlesea city council is one of the six growth areas in metropolitan Melbourne including key suburbs like Mernda, Epping, Mill park, Lalor etc which has observed rapid growth in population in recent years. This significant growth in population has placed significant pressure on its civil infrastructure, especially on transport, water and public amenities. This report reviews the councils current infrastructure management plan and strategy, focusing on key categories. These categories are 1) Transport infrastructure. which consists of Roads, public transport, street lighting, footpaths, bike lanes, etc.

2) Water infrastructure. which talks about the drinking water supply, sewer, drainage and stormwater maintenance.

3) Council buildings and parks. Which consists of community buildings, playgrounds, parks, open spaces for the public, etc.This report provides brief understanding and study of the infrastructure that needs to be improved and maintained for this growing population.

2.0 Transport infrastructure

Transport infrastructure for any civilization is important as it carries the most integral resources from one point to another. It is no different for whittlesea. Transport infrastructure in Whittlesea is essential for maintaining connectivity as the population grows. The councils infrastructure plan focuses on the roads, public transport, street amenities like lighting and footpaths.

2.1 Road networksThe expansion of areas like Mernda has led to increased traffic on some important and crucial roads such as Plenty road and Bridge inn road. These roads face heavy congestion and traffic particularly during the peak hours. The council's strategy includes ongoing maintenance and researching possible ways to come up with a solution but capacity issues remain a challenge as it is not easy to divert population without massive changes.

Risk considerations: With the significant population growth which is expected to grow even more in the future there is an obvious risk of traffic gridlock if the road capacity is not increased considerably . In addition deteriorating road conditions could lead to higher road accident rates and increased repair cost in the future.

Proposed strategy: The council plans to invest in smart traffic management systems to stabilize traffic flow and reduce congestion. However the current plan does not adequately address the need for the increase in the road width of key roads or the construction of additional roads to cater to the needs of the increased population in the future.

2.2 Public transport systems

The public transport in Whittlesea includes bus routes and nearby stations like Mernda station. The train line extension to Mernda has improved connectivity and helped the locals but the bus services remain very limited and overcrowded. It is very important to come up with solutions to this congestion in public transport as it will create ease to the public and help in the near future with the expected population growth.

Sustainability Aspect: The council is investing in making more available bus services for the public but sustainability may become an issue as with more public services there will be a lot more carbon emission. To solve this electric buses are being called in which will also achieve a sustainable transit solution for the future.

Challenges: With the introduction of electric buses and more services for the transport it is imminent that there will be a huge price that comes within the increased level of service. To get the funds for this expenditure is a challenge for the authorities.

2.3 street lighting and footpaths

Recent development in areas like Wollert saw the introduction of various LED street lighting installations, in line with the Whittlesea city councils sustainability goals. Footpaths and bike lanes are being expanded to improve walkability for pedestrians and cycling. This initiative is helping in the reduction of energy consumption.

Performance indicators: The success of these lighting upgrades is measured by the energy saves and reduction in the cost for maintenance. The plan currently indicates footpath coverage is set to expand by 10% over the next five years to improve walkability.

The footpath network in this suburb has been expanded by 5 kilometers in the last two years, making it more pedestrian friendly and providing connectivity to public transport hubs. (Whittlesea city council Infrastructure management plan, 2024)

3.0 Water infrastructure

3.1 Drinking water supply network3.2 Sewer and drainage systems

4.0 Council buildings and parks4.1 Council buildings4.2 Parks and playgrounds5.0 Risk assessment6.0 cost and budget analysis7.0 Opportunities for improvement8.0 Conclusion

9.0 References

City of Whittlesea logo. Available at: http://kjacksongraphicdesign.com/logos.htmlVisited on 02/10/24.

Moodle website. Available at: https://online.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/my/Visited on 02/10/24.

Whittlesea council website. Available at: https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/HomeVisited on 02/10/24.

Transport infrastructure. Available at: https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/development-of-transport-infrastructure-icon-flat-vector-7485826Visited on 02/10/24.

Public transport systems. Available at: https://chillinghambushtucker.com.au/benefits-of-public-transportation/Visited on 02/10/24.

-65253-4706600 Rating

Criteria (4) (3) (2) (1) (0) Mark =

Rating/4 x Criteria %

Introduction (15%) Concisely and clearly articulated the important elements of an introduction (introduced team, outlined the presentation, provided background information and captured audience attention). Provided a good introduction but some aspects not clearly articulated. Provided a basic introduction, however some changes (or inclusion of more information) required to make it more effective. Did not cover key elements of an effective introduction. Did not have an introduction or did not consider most of the key elements of an introduction. Analysis of information (25%)

Excellent demonstration of deep and complex analysis relevant to the assessment. Excellent range of issues linked to the analysis provided.

8 or more references provided.

Very good demonstration of deep analysis relevant to the assessment. A very good range of issues linked to the analysis provided.

6 to 7 references provided Sound demonstration of deep analysis relevant to the assessment. Good range of issues linked to the analysis provided.

4 to 5 references provided. Adequate/Basic demonstration of analysis, however, not in sufficient depth. Basic range of issues provided. 2 to 3 sources provided.

Poor or superficial demonstration of analysis. Issues identified were not linked to the analysis provided. Less than 2 sources provided.

Speaking and Presentation Style

(20%) Excellent facial expression, body language, posture, eye contact, speech volume and visual aids which all reflect a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic.

Overall effective, well-delivered, balanced and well-paced presentation. Very good facial expression, body language, posture, eye contact, speech volume and visual aids, which show enthusiasm about the topic. Overall well-delivered and balanced presentation. Good eye contact, posture and speech volume reflect some interest and enthusiasm about the topic.

Overall satisfactory, however included some pauses and reliance on notes. Adequate/basic delivery, however hesitant at times, with many pauses and stumbles. Great reliance on notes resulted in lack of eye contact or poor interest and enthusiasm about the topic. Presentation lacked clarity and a logical progression of ideas. Over-reliance on notes resulted in no eye contact and reflected little interest or enthusiasm about the topic. Engagement and Slide Quality

(10%)

Excellent effort was made to make content interesting and to engage the audience. Excellent use of slides or other communication tools. Excellent organization of ideas, consistent, coherent and logical structure. A very good effort made to make content interesting and to engage the audience. Very Good use of slides or other communication tools. Good organization of ideas, consistent, coherent and logical structure. Good effort is made to make content interesting and to engage the audience. Good use of slides or other communication tools. Good organization of ideas, coherent and logical structure. Small inconsistencies in formatting Adequate/Basic effort made to make content interesting and engaged audience on a basic level. Basic use of slides or other communication tools. Basic organization of ideas, with a number of inconsistencies in formatting. No engagement with the audience. Poor use of slides or other communication tools Poor or no organization of ideas, coherent and logical structure. Significant inconsistencies in formatting. Conclusion

(10%) Concisely and clearly articulated the important elements of a conclusion (overview of main points, no new material, strong and positive finish. Provided good conclusion but minor areas not clearly articulated.

Minor changes required to conclusion of presentation. Did not cover key elements of an effective conclusion.

Did not consider most important elements of a conclusion. Time Management

(10%)

Presentation is within the time allocation (15 minutes). Presentation is almost within the time allocation. Presentation is slightly over or under the time allocation. Presentation is well over or under the time allocation. Presentation is far too short (by 5 minutes) or far too long. Handling of Questions (10%)

Students are able to answer all questions from their classmates/lecturer about the topic.

Students are able to answer most questions from their classmates/lecturer about the topic. Students are able to answer a few questions from their classmates/lecturer about the topic. Students are able to answer hardly any questions from their classmates/lecturer about the topic. Students are unable to answer any questions from their classmates/lecturer about the topic. Total mark /100

Additional comments:

BET312 Infrastructure Maintenance and Management

Group Assessment: Infrastructure Management Plan and Strategy

Worth 25% Due date: 17 October 2024 (Week 12)

Group assessment worth 25%. Small groups of 3 to 4 members only.

This group assessment is comprised of:

Group Report (15%) Minimum 2000 words. One report submission for each small group. Clearly write the name and student number of every group member on the title page of the report.

Group Presentation (10%) 15 minutes. Power Point discussion and answering questions

Group reports due 17th October 2024 (Week 12) and Presentation in person & in class (Week 12).

The task:

Infrastructure asset management has recently been an area of interest by the global engineering industry due to increased population demands, environmental concerns such as climate change, increased economic and financial pressures on government, prevalence of new and emerging information technology and other vulnerabilities in societies. An established multi-national engineering company with an office in Melbourne, Australia has decided to increase its business portfolio and intend to be a leader in civil infrastructure asset management and maintenance globally.

As a new graduate you were recruited and made a member of a small team of engineers to focus on civil infrastructure management and asset maintenance. The timing is good because your company acquires a new project this week and is due on 17th October 2024. The project is a review of the current infrastructure management plan and strategy of each of the six growth area councils in Metropolitan Melbourne.

The six growth areas are: Whittlesea Council and Hume Council in the north; Melton Council, northwest; Wyndham Council in the west, Casey Council and Cardinia Council in the south east.

These growth areas have seen huge number of people choosing to settle in their suburbs (example are Craigieburn, Wollert, Donnybrook, and Mernda, etc.). They are experiencing stresses in various civil asset infrastructure but are forward looking at the same time.

You are asked to focus on these three infrastructure assets only:

Transport infrastructure for both roads and public transport including street lighting, footpaths, etc.

Water infrastructure both drinking water supply network, sewer and drainage systems

Council buildings and parks including childrens playgrounds

There were six teams created and each team will look after one growth area council only. To reiterate, choose one growth area council only.

To summarise, you are expected to submit a report of your review about the current infrastructure management plan and strategy of one growth area council for not less than 2000 words and will need to deliver a PowerPoint presentation for 15 minutes on 17 October 2024.

You may briefly describe key features, elements such as risk, cost, performance and sustainability elements of the infrastructure management plan to civil infrastructure assets like buildings, roads and highways, public transport, water and wastewater systems.

Use pictures and illustrations especially in your PowerPoint presentation.

As this involves research (i.e. Internet search, etc.), Turn it in similarity will be maximum of 20%.

Use proper referencing. Further, you can use the ISO55001 and IIMM as references.

For questions and further clarification, you may ask the Lecturer during class time ( i.e. Weeks 3 to 12):

Nomer Angeles, BET 312 Lecturer