DIMIA Annual Report 2004-05
Asset management
ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS OF ASSETS MANAGEMENT
The department manages more than 6769 assets with a gross value of $494 million. These amounts include the assets from the acquisition of operations during the year. Major asset categories are infrastructure, plant and equipment, land and buildings and intangible assets (software). These assets are managed by line areas to meet their business needs. Under accrual budgeting and accounting requirements, capital purchases are made in line with departmental capital plans. Accrual-based monthly reports on the progress of purchases against capital plans and depreciation against budget allow line managers to make informed asset acquisition and replacement decisions and ensure ongoing capital budget management and accuracy of reporting.
All assets owned by the department are subject to an annual stocktake, which is used to update and verify the accuracy of asset records. Assets are depreciated at rates applicable for each asset class, as verified by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO).
Assets are maintained through specified maintenance programs, including contracted services.
In November 2004 construction of a purpose designed new building for Central Offi ce was completed. The building is a market leader in energy effi ciency in Canberra and is currently operating as a 5 star rated building under the Australian Building and Greenhouse Gas Rating Scheme.
Purpose designed new building
The building has an intelligent lighting control system and metering which separates tenant light and power on all floors, with a software management system to manage the ongoing performance of the building.
The facade is a "panel system" and combines a low cost but highly durable exterior. Central to the design of the facade was the need to ensure it assisted in meeting the energy targets set by Commonwealth policy. The size of windows was kept to a minimum and the use of double glazing and tinted glass assist in meeting these targets. The north-south orientation and the narrow building footprint provides for maximum penetration of natural light.
The building provides a quality fit-out and combines large and effi cient open plan areas with integrated amenities including a gym and cafe. Built zones are concentrated in the central core of the building to maximise the use of space in the open plan areas. The use of rectangular workstations provides a level of fl exibility not offered by traditional L-shaped workstations.
