Hi-tech asset system for council

Hi-tech: Troy Dean from the Tweed Shire Council with the new iPad that can be used by outdoor staff.

Scott Powick

THE history of all of Tweed Shire Council's $2 billion worth of public assets will be available at the touch of a screen thanks to a new iPad application.

Council's technology and corporate services director Troy Green said Apple's new handy touch screen device would help them keep an eye on public assets such as footpaths, car parks, guttering and playgrounds.

It is called the Asset Capture and Asset Management system.

“Our workers will be able to use the iPad on the field to check when a footpath was constructed, when there was maintenance last done to it and so on,” Mr Green said.

Information on history, maintenance log and even the width of car-park spaces will be available in the database.

“They will be able to access it from the field and edit it from the field. No more need to carry around a big notebook or to complete their reports at the office,” he said.

“It will help get the job done quicker and with less hassle.”

The program has recently been completed, and field testing will soon be conducted.

“We are waiting to hear back when they will be able to take it out to give it a test run.”

Mr Green said council was also working on utilising the iPad as a tool for building inspections.

“Ever since we've introduced the electronic Developer Application process we've been working on this next step,” he said.

“It's going to get consultants in the field to cut down on paper plans they have to submit to council.

“We're looking at ways we can accommodate that. It's coming along well at the moment.”

Last month council launched the “My Answers” mobile technology specifically designed for mobile phones.

My Answers allows council's customers to access a host of council information while on the move.