Providing best practice management of public water services requires strategic business and asset planning across multi-disciplinary organisations with substantial asset portfolios.

For more than a decade, the Strategic Water Management Unit has provided impartial advice to clients and developed appropriate plans and systems for water supply, sewerage and stormwater services.

Representation is also provided to regulatory agencies such as Treasury and the EPA, and staff actively promote transfer of knowledge and expertise for the long-term benefit of the client and their communities.

A strategic approach to water management provides direct benefits:

• Stakeholder satisfaction
• Meeting of statutory obligations and regulatory compliance
• Integrated service strategies and policies
• Long-term, financially sustainable, service plans
• Optimal pricing strategies
• Active asset management

Business activities cover the full range of business planning for compliance with the DEUS Best Practice Management Guidelines, May 2004, and Treasury Guidelines for project appraisals.

Asset management plans align with the NSW Government's TAM (Total Asset Management) Policy. NSW Public Works TAMS software provides a robust asset management system, currently used by more than 40 clients, and is available for purchase.