Whitsunday Regional Council engaged SHEPHERD to provide temporary asset accounting support during a period of internal resourcing pressure. With key roles unfilled and critical work underway, Council needed dependable expertise to maintain continuity and build capability across its asset management functions.
The Challenge
Council faced back-to-back vacancies in its asset accounting team, creating a backlog of capitalisation work and a lack of consistency in key processes. With preparations underway for future revaluations and audits, Council required support to reduce risk, improve documentation, and strengthen internal guidance.
The Solution
SHEPHERD provided targeted asset accounting support, with tasks prioritised in collaboration with Council. Key work included:
- Reviewing and approving capitalisation workpapers
- Supporting and refining capitalisation and contributed asset processes
- Drafting a position paper on the capitalisation of planning costs
- Reviewing asset infrastructure policies
- Advising on revaluation inspection planning and risk mitigation
- Providing knowledge transfer and onboarding assistance for new team members
What We Did Differently and Why It Mattered
Rather than simply bridging a gap, SHEPHERD worked alongside Council staff to uplift capability and improve systems for the long term. This included documenting clearer internal guidance, identifying improvement opportunities, and supporting smoother onboarding of new personnel.
The result is a more consistent and auditable capitalisation process, stronger internal handover, and a foundation for improved asset management going forward. Staff expressed strong appreciation for the quality and clarity of support provided.
Delivered in Partnership
Although the internal role has now been filled, SHEPHERD remains available to assist if needed. This engagement shows the value of flexible, expert support that adapts to Council priorities, helping to steady the ship during resource gaps while building better processes for the future.
