Lachlan Shire Council (New South Wales) 2022 – Flood Damage Assessment and DRFA Submission Building
Project Value: $60M
In response to its October 2022 flood event, Lachlan Shire Council engaged SHEPHERD to undertake Flood Damage Assessment and build the DRFA submissions Building.
Project deliverables included:
- Pre-Event Road Condition Survey using RACAS
- Engineering assessment of flood damage of entire 4,000km road network
- Submission Building and Lodgement
- Emergent Works Claim
- Asset Accountant
Central Highlands Regional Council was activated for Restoration Essential Public Assets because of 2017’s Tropical Cyclone Debbie and currently has an approved scope of works to a value of $40 million.
Council engaged SHEPHERD in August 2018 to provide project management support to deliver and acquit the balance of its $40 million 2017 NDRRA approved flood restoration works by 30 June 2019.
To meet the key objectives of this project, the SHEPHERD team:
- Assessed the current project delivery logistics and amend as required to ensure adequate resources in place to meet project delivery timeframe;
- Worked alongside Council staff as well as contractors to form an efficient and effective project delivery team;
- Adopted a risk and compliance-based project management style;
- Openly and regularly communicated with all project key stakeholders;
- Provided project management support across the three areas of Planning, Delivery and Close Out;
- Provided expert support, advice and recommendations to ensure the procurement of value for money project resources;
- Used our NDRRA experience and engineering expertise to develop project delivery specifications that meet all relevant guidelines;
- Acted as Council’s representative to oversee the delivery of contracted works;
- Closely monitored and inspected works to ensure completion in accordance with relevant specifications;
- Used our systems technology to streamline reporting and compliance, and ensure regular acquittal;
- Facilitated a smooth close out process ensuring all QRA requirements are met; and
- Reported against project milestones, including variances and updates, on a fortnightly and monthly basis as required by project stakeholders.
The Works were delivered by Council Day Labour Teams and external contractors.
Etheridge Shire Council (Queensland) – 2021, 2022, 2023 DRFA Flood Damage Project Management
Project Value: $107M
In response to monsoon and flooding in Northern and Central Queensland from 20 December 2022 to 30 April 2023, the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) were activated for the communities of the Etheridge Shire for a third consecutive time.
Recorded rainfall for this period was 466mm from January 1 to 15 at the Georgetown Airport.
The SHEPHERD Civil and Disaster Recovery Team had only recently concluded project management of restoration works for the 2021 and 2022 events and had just electronically surveyed the completed works with RACAS. Accordingly, SHEPHERD was able to mobilise to site quickly which was critical to the success of this project.
Project Deliverables:
- Pre-Event Road Condition Survey using RACAS
- Engineering assessment of flood damage of entire road and culvert network
- Submission Building and Lodgement
- Emergent Works administration
- Contract Administration
- Contract Superintendent
- Project Management of Restoration Works
- Quality Assurance with Civil Inspectors
- Claim Management including close out and Acquittal
- Asset Accountant
- Gravel Supply technical assistance including lodgement of Gravel Pit/Quarry applications
Proven Results for the 2023 event from RACAS and flood damage pickup in January through to all submissions approved by QRA in September include:
- Total Claim Value: $67,238,546.12
- Total Approved Value: $61,142,522.73
- 1,046km Treatments Approved
Furthermore by utilising RACAS within the DRFA Flood Recovery Pickup Process, Etheridge Shire Council was able to unlock a wealth of data-driven opportunities including:
- Data-Driven Maintenance Plans: With RACAS, Council was able to formulate maintenance plans based on comprehensive data gathered during the flood recovery process. Identifying vulnerable areas and assessing critical assets empowering Council to proactively plan for ongoing maintenance, enhancing infrastructure resilience.
- Optimised Maintenance/Capital Programs: The amalgamation of RACAS data with SHEPHERD’s expertise enabled Council to optimise maintenance and capital programs. Data-driven decision-making facilitates prioritisation of projects based on real needs, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
- Accurate Asset Valuations: Through RACAS-driven assessments, Council can gain accurate asset valuations essential for financial planning, insurance purposes, and long-term infrastructure management.
- Insightful Condition Assessments: RACAS enhances the flood recovery pickup process by providing valuable insights into asset conditions post-disaster. This empowered Council to devise proactive strategies for restoring essential public assets.
Bulloo Shire Council (Queensland) – 2021, 2022, 2023 DRFA Flood Damage Project Management
Project Value: $25M
In response to its 2021 Flood Event, Council opted to internally project manage delivery of reconstruction works. However, the project was not initially managed within QRA guidelines or to required specifications which resulted in the quality of work suffering. Council faced the risk funding being rejected by the State Authority.
The SHEPHERD Civil and Disaster Recovery Team was engaged to provide expert Project Management of delivery of work. Negotiations were held with state authority to ensure practical win/win solutions.
Our onsite inspectors ensured quality of work and correct treatments were being achieved.
Monthly Scheduling and reporting to Council as well as Progress Reporting to State Authority ensured open communication throughout the project.
Benefits to Client:
- Closing out projects as soon as they are completed to ensure correct acquittal process was followed.
- Maximised the approved funding returned to Council.
- Easy oversight of project progression to instil renewed confidence in the Project.
Continuing a successful working relationship, SHEPHERD was engaged by Bulloo Shire Council for subsequent flood events in 2022 and 2023 to provide the following project deliverables:
- Pre-Event Road Condition Survey using RACAS
- Engineering assessment of flood damage of entire road and culvert network
- Submission Building and Lodgement
- Emergent Works administration
- Contract Administration
- Contract Superintendent
- Project Management of Restoration Works
- Quality Assurance with Civil Inspectors
- Claim Management including close out and Acquittal
- Asset Accountant
