Advanced Maintenance Program
The AMP is based on implementing a number of preventative maintenance techniques with the intention of deferring medium to long term major asset replacement expenditure. Budget within the first two years 2006/07 and 2007/08 of the Water Plan for Irrigation Services is $11.7m and $16.4m respectively across G-MW.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS....
1. What is AMP?
G-MW's AMP is aimed at lengthening the life of assets by implementing a number of timely rehabilitation techniques. AMP is about proactive asset maintenance rather than reactive asset maintenance.
2. What assets are targeted under AMP?
Assets targeted under AMP include channels, drains and drainage structures.
3. How are assets selected?
AMP works are conducted on assets that are approximately midway through their life expectancy. The assets are identified and categorised and are inspected on a five-yearly cycle, with 20% being assessed in each financial year.
4. When are assets excluded from AMP?
Assets may be excluded from the AMP, if replacement is found to be the most cost effective solution.
5. What are the benefits of AMP?
- Cost reduction and control
Deferred asset replacement expenditure can provide a more stable water price path for customers.
- Water efficiency
Proactive maintenance of assets can result in saving water that can be loss from cracks, leaks and seepages.
- Reconfiguration Planning
AMP defers costly asset replacement and allows more time for Area reconfiguration planning to occur.
6. What AMP techniques are being used?
There are 4 maintenance techniques that are being used:
- Rock Armouring
The inside of the channel bank batters is protected from erosion by applying a layer of rock. This technique will extend the life of the channel bank by up to 20 years.
- Beaching
Involves reinstating eroded beaching onto channel structures. Poor quality material is removed and replaced with select clay and is then covered with geofrabic and rock beaching. This technique extends the life of the structure by up to 15 years.
- Structural Repair
Repairing cracks in concrete structures to reduce the rate of deterioration and stabilise the structure. This technique extends the life of the structure by up to 20 years.
- Reinstating Eroded Bank Material
Eroded bank material from the channel bed is reinstated onto the channel bank. This technique extends the life of the channel by up to 10 years.
7. Why these AMP techniques?
These techniques have been trialled successfully with G-MW and other water authorities within Australia and overseas.
8. Where will AMP works be undertaken?
AMP is currently concentrated on the upper and middle sections of the water supply system to delay works on areas that could be changed in the future.
Maintenance activities are grouped into zones based on the technique used. The work is scheduled to allow assets within close proximities to be maintained in the most cost effective way.
9. How do we know the areas where AMP works are planned?
AMP annual works program and progress reports are circulated to all Area offices.
10. How are we implementing the AMP?
The construction work is being undertaken by a mix of contractors and Goulburn-Murray Water staff, centrally coordinated by Goulburn-Murray Water.
11. How is AMP funded?
AMP works are funded by individual Irrigation and Drainage Areas via the infrastructure Access Fee, and were included in the customer consultative process of the Water Plan.
12. How are we reviewing the effectiveness of the AMP?
The AMP program is developed in consultation with Area staff. An AMP Working Group within G-MW overviews the development, implementation and review of the program. In addition, new techniques are always being investigated.
13. What inconvenience can be expected as part of AMP?
Every effort is being made to limit the inconvenience to individual landowners. However, access through some adjacent farms will be needed. Customers may notice increased traffic, noise and dust.
14. Who can customers contact for more information?
Customers can call toll free 1 800 232 286 or can visit our Area Offices.
What is the Advanced Maintenance Program?
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