Roadmap to guide future maintenance and capital projects

Noosa Council has endorsed a blueprint to guide the management of the shire’s 867 kilometre road network and associated infrastructure assets.

The Road Infrastructure Asset Management Plan analyses the operational and maintenance requirements to manage road infrastructure now and into the future.

Council has earmarked an investment of over $200 million in capital and maintenance work over the next decade.

Mayor Tony Wellington said the plan was critical to delivering a good level of service to our community.

“While it is a statutory requirement, the detailed Plan provides the necessary framework to make informed decisions on current and future projects,” he said.

“It covers everything from 11,000 directional signs, 243 bus stops, road barriers and kerbing to the actual roads themselves. Across the Shire, we look after 670 kilometres of sealed roads and 197 kilometres of gravel roads.”

Cr Wellington said the plan shows that a majority of Council’s sealed and gravel roads are in good condition.

“Nearly 14 per cent of Council’s annual budget goes towards road maintenance, while a third of our $29.5 million Capital Budget is allocated to road infrastructure including bridges.

“Adopting a sustainable approach to renewing assets will ensure that the quality and standard of our roads and vital infrastructure continues to meet community requirements and expectations.” Cr Wellington said.

Importantly, the Plan identified initiatives for the continual improvement in managing road infrastructure. Initiatives such as the alternative road surfaces that Council is currently trialling have the potential to save on long-term costs whilst improving environmental outcomes.

This Plan is the fourth in a suite of Asset Management Plans being developed to show how Council will manage all of its key assets into the future.

Cr Wellington said the Plans are reviewed and updated regularly.

2 January 2019