Uralla Shire Council has partnered with advanced asset management platform, Asset Vision, to modernise how local government infrastructure is captured, assessed and maintained.
The initiative marks a significant step forward for the Council in the use of technology to better understand and manage community assets, starting with one of the most critical networks under council care – local roads.
The first phase of the rollout focused on Uralla’s entire road network. In April, staff completed a comprehensive data capture exercise in just one week – a process that would traditionally take considerably longer and require external contractors.
Using specialised, vehicle-mounted cameras, high-resolution video footage was collected at 10-metre intervals across the network. This dataset was then processed using artificial intelligence capable of identifying road defects, such as potholes, and assessing ride quality
with a level of consistency and detail not previously achievable, Council said in a statement.
Council Acting General Manager, Mick Raby said the value of the platform lies not just in the data collected, but in how it is being applied.
“The data is now being used to refine the platform, helping us deliver consistent and reliable condition ratings,” Mr Raby said.
“These insights support better planning, more targeted maintenance, and improved financial reporting.”
The Council says the approach enables it to move beyond periodic, resource-intensive condition assessments and instead access more frequent, up-to-date information – supporting proactive decision-making and more responsive service delivery.
It says the financial case for adopting digital asset management tools is equally compelling. The initial data capture exercise was delivered at no additional cost to Council, representing a significant saving when compared to traditional methods.
Historically, five-yearly road condition assessments required for asset valuation have cost the Council around $110,000. By comparison, Asset Vision provides an ongoing subscription-based platform that offers a far more sustainable and cost-effective approach to road condition monitoring, asset valuation and long-term asset management
While the current focus remains on road infrastructure, the platform’s broader capabilities present opportunities across multiple asset classes and operational areas, the Council says.
Key benefits include:
- More frequent and current asset data to support evidence-based decision-making and funding applications;
- Reduced reliance on external consultants, strengthening internal capability and control;
- Improved prioritisation of maintenance programs and resource allocation;
- Enhanced accuracy in long-term financial planning and asset valuation;
- Scalability to integrate additional assets and functions as council needs evolve.
For Council, the partnership represents more than just a technological upgrade – it signals a shift in asset management maturity, said Mr Raby.
“This initiative marks an important shift in how Council manages its assets,” he said.
“By moving away from fragmented systems and infrequent external assessments, we are embracing a more proactive, data-driven approach – one that delivers continuous improvement and greater local control.”
