The way we manage our water assets to account for future growth has undergone a major shift in recent years. Paul Higham, Acting Head of Development and Infrastructure Portfolio Services for Sydney Water, explores the way in which a move towards a consumer centric view of asset management can drive innovation for the water sector.
For Sydney Water, a key priority is ensuring that its asset management achieves customer outcomes.
In his presentation, Customer centric asset management, at the Asset Management for Critical Infrastructure Conference, 16-17 August in Sydney, Mr Higham will focus on the considerations Sydney Water takes into account when it comes to planning its asset management program.
Mr Higham’s presentation will focus on the development of new assets, with particular emphasis on the organisation’s recently announced $2.2 billion growth planning projects.
Mr Higham says that the biggest asset management trend in the water industry is the ability to find innovative solutions that enable existing infrastructure to service the growing needs of customers.
“Our number one priority is meeting the needs of our customers when developing our asset management programs.
“Sydney Water, like many other utilities, is an asset intensive organisation. In recent years we have moved from an asset centric view of the world to a more customer centric view of the world. After all assets are a means of providing essential services to our customers.”
Mr Higham says that finding the right balance of service and affordability that meets the needs of customers is paramount in Sydney Water’s approach to managing existing assets with the development of new assets.
“Innovative thinking seeks to get more out of existing assets before new investments are considered.
“The $2.2 billion investment program over the next four years is the level of investment required to ensure essential services are provided through the renewal of aging infrastructure and servicing a growing Sydney.”
Can a consumer focus drive innovation in your business?
Hear more from Paul Higham about customer centric asset management at the Asset Management for Critical Infrastructure Conference, running from 16-17 August at the Swissôtel in Sydney.
Early bird tickets are now available, offering savings of up to $700. Select utility companies and asset owners may also be eligible for $500 tickets. For more information or to register visit www.assetmanagementforcriticalinfrastructure.com.au.
For more information or to register visit www.assetmanagementforcriticalinfrastructure.com.au.
