Image above: Biloela WTP

A key milestone was the delivery of a two-day Regional Maintenance Planning Forum in Emerald, complemented by three virtual forums that enabled maintenance staff to share experiences, discuss common challenges and learn from one another. In addition, ten staff from six councils completed maintenance planning training, strengthening their ability to identify asset risks, prioritise maintenance activities and implement risk-based maintenance practices.

One of the most significant outcomes of the project was the development of the Asset Maintenance Guide. Designed as a practical resource for operational teams, the guide establishes consistent maintenance standards through a series of standard jobs that outline maintenance requirements, frequencies, resources, costs, risk controls and emergency response considerations. The guide provides councils with a framework to improve maintenance planning, reduce reactive maintenance, extend asset life and enhance the reliability of critical infrastructure.

Importantly, this initiative is believed to be the first collaborative project of its kind in Queensland to develop a regional approach to asset maintenance planning and standardisation across multiple water alliances. By bringing councils together to share knowledge, expertise and practical solutions, the project has demonstrated the value of regional collaboration in addressing common asset management challenges.

The benefits extend well beyond maintenance planning. Improved maintenance practices will help reduce the risk of asset failures, service interruptions, sewer overflows and environmental incidents, while supporting safe drinking water and wastewater services for regional communities. Councils have also identified opportunities for long-term cost savings through more efficient maintenance scheduling, reduced emergency repairs, shared knowledge and potential collaboration on spare parts and procurement.

The project has also created a lasting legacy through the establishment of an ongoing Regional Maintenance Planning Network. Participating councils have committed to continuing bi-monthly virtual forums, ensuring maintenance professionals can keep sharing lessons learned, emerging challenges and best-practice approaches long after the project’s completion.

For councils across Queensland, the benefits of this work are now readily accessible. The final project documentation, including the Water Industry Asset Maintenance Guide for Regional Councils (Parts 1–3) and supporting resources, is available to all qldwater members through the qldwater Asset Maintenance Toolbox, providing a valuable foundation for improving maintenance planning, asset reliability and service sustainability across the state.