Programmed’s Local Government Symposium returned in 2026, bringing together council representatives, industry leaders and asset management professionals to explore how stronger collaboration across the asset lifecycle can support better outcomes for local government.
Held in Melbourne, the Symposium focused on connecting planning, construction and long-term operations, with discussions centred on operational readiness, asset intelligence, digital technologies and lifecycle thinking.
The speaker program featured Colonel (Retd) Mark Dixon, CEO of Melbourne Legacy; Mark Simmons, Director at Specialised Management Group; Trent Taylor, Founder and Managing Director of Kairos Strategies; and Nick Tan, Service Delivery Manager and Chief Remote Pilot at Programmed. Together, they shared practical perspectives on community outcomes, operational readiness, asset intelligence and digital innovation, highlighting opportunities to strengthen asset management across local government.
Strengthening asset management across the lifecycle
A key theme throughout the Symposium was the importance of taking a whole-of-lifecycle approach to asset management. Speakers highlighted how stronger collaboration between planning, construction and operational teams can improve long-term asset performance while supporting more effective maintenance, investment planning and service delivery.
Sessions explored operational readiness, maintainability, asset handovers and lifecycle planning, reinforcing the value of involving operational stakeholders earlier in project delivery. The importance of reliable asset information was also emphasised, demonstrating how quality data enables better maintenance strategies and more informed decision-making throughout an asset’s lifecycle.
Drawing on its experience delivering integrated asset management services, Programmed also shared practical examples of how early operational planning and lifecycle thinking can contribute to smoother asset transitions and stronger long-term outcomes for councils.
Digital technologies supporting smarter asset management
Digital asset capture formed another key focus of the Symposium, with presentations demonstrating how technologies including drone inspections, thermal imagery, 360-degree walkthroughs and GIS-enabled platforms are improving asset visibility across council portfolios.
Programmed showcased how these digital approaches can support more efficient inspections, richer asset information and improved reporting, helping councils make more informed decisions and better manage assets throughout their lifecycle.
Looking ahead
The Symposium concluded with networking opportunities between council representatives, industry partners and the Programmed team, providing a valuable forum for knowledge sharing and continued collaboration.
Celebrating 75 years in 2026, Programmed continues to build on its long-standing partnership with local government by bringing together industry expertise, practical experience and emerging technologies.
Through initiatives such as the Local Government Symposium, the company remains committed to supporting councils in delivering smarter, more sustainable asset management outcomes for the communities they serve.
To find out more, visit programmed.com.au
