What a great turn out for the May Forum. 78 members and guests enjoyed the hospitality and the opportunity to network. It must have been successful as the noise level was considerable. Sylvia had to yell a number of times to gain everyone’s attention to start the formal proceedings.

The guest speaker was Assistant Commissioner Steve Ayling, the Head of Emergency Management Group of the ACT Emergency Services Authority, standing in for Commissioner Peter Dunn. The topic was “Managing Projects in a 24/7 Response Agency”.

The ACT Emergency Services Authority consists of the ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Fire Brigade, ACT Rural Fire Brigade and ACT State Emergency Service. The Charter of the Authority is to protect and preserve life, property and the environment – a very broad range of responsibilities with a very high public profile.

To ensure personnel are properly equipped, trained and prepared, the primary project management focus is facilities, fleet and information & communications technology support. The presentation was very frank and open with numerous lessons learnt provided under these three areas. Management of projects is conducted in conjunction with a hectic and high paced operational tempo involving a daily average of 120 incidents. The issues detailed by Steve under factors for success could be applicable to many different projects, especially those under close public scrutiny. There is an imperative to get the correct balance in life cycle costing with a structured program to maintain existing infrastructure, assess when to replace outdated equipment and acquire new equipment that may take advantage on technological advances.

I particularly liked the use of a practical reality to achieve funding for the recently procured ladder truck. As the bean counters have offices located on the higher floors of their building, they quickly realised the benefits of a ladder that could reach up to the height of their office. Their hearts and minds had a sharp focus as existing equipment was too small to reach the heights now needed to evacuate Canberra high rise buildings.

Questioning by members showed a high level of interest in the diverse issues encountered under the broad portfolio of projects. Thanks to Steve for an excellent and very entertaining presentation.

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