1. Purpose and Challenge
Baw Baw Shire Council faced the strategic challenge of moving beyond traditional, often subjective, road asset assessment methods to establish a strong, objective framework for
capital works planning. The aim was to greatly improve the Council's asset intelligence to
support a strategic, risk-informed approach to infrastructure investment, ensuring alignment
with defined Levels of Service and long-term financial sustainability needs.
2. Methodology and Solution
The Council engaged FEDASEN to implement an advanced road condition assessment
program powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The solution utilises a sophisticated,
integrated automation pipeline leveraging advanced computer vision, machine learning, and
geospatial analytics. This pipeline processes high-resolution network imagery to convert raw
field data into actionable infrastructure intelligence. The program was applied explicitly to key
assets, including pavements, kerbs and channels, and parking infrastructure.
3. Key Results and Data Output
The automation solution delivers objective, repeatable, and fully auditable condition data.
Key outputs include:
• Automated Defect Detection and Severity Grading.
• Precise Asset Identification and Attribute Updating.
• Consistent Condition Ratings aligned with contemporary asset management
methodologies.
Updated asset attributes and condition states are seamlessly integrated into Council’s GIS
and asset register. This process significantly improves data completeness, accuracy, and
alignment with critical planning requirements, including lifecycle modelling and financial
forecasting.
4. Conclusion and Strategic Impact
By operationalising this decision-ready intelligence, Baw Baw Shire Council can now
undertake evidence-based renewal forecasting, intervention modelling, and prioritisation of
capital investment based on factors such as risk, criticality, and service performance. This
enhancement improves the Council's overall lifecycle optimisation and strengthens financial
sustainability, ultimately supporting the delivery of safer, more reliable infrastructure and
better service outcomes for the communit