During the restructure Planning was moved to within what was the Health and Building Department to form the Department of Environment and Planning. In general terms, under the new structure the Department of Infrastructure has become the owner of Councils Assets. As the owner, Infrastructure provides the priorities and directions for capital works to be carried out. The Department of Operations are then contracted to carry out the works and to implement maintenance programs. Design - the planning, design and documentation required prior to the commencement of any works.
Preliminary investigations can include activities such as Surveying and consultation.
In the planning stage of projects consultation is undertaken with the relevant stakeholders. Stakeholders often include other State and Federal Government Agencies and local Community Groups. Environmental - this is a field that is becoming increasingly important, and affects when how and if works can be carried out. Mapping - traditionally simple maps have been hand drawn to supply details of features within the shire. With the introduction of GIS this is a field that can potentially revolutionise the way Council operates.