LGAWORK603A
Determine and prioritise a council works program

This unit covers decision making related to prioritising the works program and providing information about council's works program to internal and external customers.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected.


Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit/s


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify existing and required levels of service

1.1. Customer expectations regarding levels of service balanced against cost are determined and reviewed using appropriate strategies.

1.2. Minimum levels of service and service targets are set and based on customer expectations.

1.3. Financial, political, social and technical costs of failing to meet targets and minimum levels of service are identified.

1.4. Service targets are included in business strategies.

1.5. Information on proposed types and levels of service is documented and is used to inform customers and council to assess performance against standards.

2. Assess asset renewal/creation options and determine optimal option

2.1. Treatment options to overcome or defer identified failure modes are determined.

2.2. Options for a new asset creation are assessed.

2.3. The cost of each option is determined taking into account total investment, life cycle costs, cash flow and project start/finish dates.

2.4. The benefits of each option are quantified in relation to improved levels of service, increased income, reduced risk cost and extension of effective life.

2.5. Whole-of-life cycle costs of the options under consideration are addressed in assessing the cost and benefit of each option.

2.6. The impact of each option on future maintenance and operations cost is identified.

2.7. The treatment option most suitable for business objectives and available resources is determined and included in forward works program.

3. Prioritise works

3.1. Works are prioritised according to predetermined merit-based selection criteria.

3.2. The level of funding for each asset category is determined and works are rationalised to suit available budget.

3.3. Balance plans and service level agreements are used to balance resource allocation with management plan objectives.

4. Review selection criteria

4.1. Merit-based selection criteria are determined and reviewed in consultation with customer to ensure the currency and relevance of each asset category.

4.2. Options for the review of selection criteria are presented to council as appropriate.

5. Provide information about works programs to customers

5.1. Customer requests for information are responded to promptly.

5.2. Customers are advised of priority status of work in question and the basis of the decision is explained clearly.

Hidden text

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit

Required Skills

negotiating with customers

providing clear written and verbal information

decision making

liaising with customers

analysing.

Required Knowledge

failure modes

treatment options and benefits of options

council structure

council budgeting processes

council business objectives

levels of service

selection criteria

relevant council policies and procedures

principles of quality customer service.

Hidden text

Evidence Required

Overview of assessment requirements

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit must be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Comprehensive assessment of renewal options is undertaken.

Works are prioritised according to merit-based selection criteria.

Customer service is provided.

Context of assessment

May be assessed through:

on the job

simulated workplace environment

written assignment

short-answer test

oral questioning

observation

or any combination of the above.

Relationship to other units(prerequisite or co-requisite units)

To enable holistic assessment this unit may be assessed with other units that form part of the job role.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

Evidence will need to be gathered over time across a range of variables depending on council work flow and planning cycle as long as the critical aspects of evidence can be demonstrated.

Resource implications

In accordance with a range of variable requirements.


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Assets may include:

all non-current structures or items of plant or equipment that provide service potential or future economic benefit.

Renewal may include:

rehabilitation

augmentation

replacement.

Council infrastructure assets may include:

roads

bridges

water supply systems

parks and gardens

drainage systems

sewerage systems

buildings

plant and equipment.

Failure modes may include:

lack of capacity

inefficiency

obsolescence

service falls below acceptable level

mortal failure

redundancy

operator errors

breakdowns.

Treatment may include:

operate asset differently

maintain asset more efficiently

train operator

manage demand

rehabilitate existing asset

replace asset

augment asset

dispose of asset

reduce level of service.

Customers may include:

residents

rate payers

elected members

council management and staff.

Hidden text


Sectors

Unit Sector

Operational Works

Hidden text


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.