Optimising Fleet Efficiency Through Strategic Review
Results Snapshot
Client: Gympie Regional Council
Location: Wide Bay – Burnett Region, Queensland
Population: Approximately 52,000
Fleet Value: $28 million (gross)
Sector: Local Government
Solution: Fleet and Plant Management Reviews
- 17 mobile assets identified beyond optimum life
- 7-year / 150,000 km recommended replacement cycle
- Operating lease transition model proposed
- Formal fleet risk assessment framework established
- Improved lifecycle cost and efficiency insights delivered
Overview
Gympie Regional Council, located about 170 kilometres north of Brisbane, manages a fleet valued at approximately $28 million. Following several major flood events, rising operational costs, and ongoing economic pressures, Council recognised the need to improve fleet efficiency and planning. CT Management Group was engaged to deliver a Fleet Review to identify opportunities to improve asset utilisation, extend asset life where appropriate, and explore modern funding and replacement models to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
The Challenge
The Council faced increasing cost pressures and service delivery demands amid constrained budgets and capital funding limitations. Given the critical role fleet assets play in delivering and maintaining infrastructure and community services, it was essential to:
- Identify optimal replacement cycles to reduce lifecycle costs
- Assess opportunities for leaseback or operating lease models
- Establish a risk-based framework for asset retention and disposal
- Ensure the fleet strategy aligned with sustainability and value-for-money objectives.
Our Solution
CT Management Group partnered with Uniqco, a strategic alliance partner, to deliver a data-driven Fleet Review based on a desktop analysis of the light fleet and mobile plant scheduled for replacement within the next three years.
The review included:
- Evaluation of the current light fleet and mobile plant against optimal replacement benchmarks.
- Identification of underperforming or over-aged assets exceeding their lifecycle thresholds.
- Recommendations for transition to operating leases where capital funding was limited.
- Development of a framework for formal risk assessments to govern retention beyond optimum life.
- Guidance on transitioning to electric and sustainable fleet alternatives where feasible.
The Outcomes
The Fleet Review delivered actionable insights and measurable improvement opportunities:
- Optimum Replacement Cycles: Recommended seven years or 150,000 km for light vehicles, ensuring maximum return on investment.
- Lifecycle Management: Identified 17 mobile assets exceeding their optimal replacement cycle, requiring immediate attention.
- Funding Strategy: Proposed transition to operating leases to reduce upfront capital strain while maintaining service continuity.
- Risk Management: Introduced a formal process to assess, approve, and document exceptions for extended fleet retention.
- Sustainability: Encouraged migration to electric vehicles where operationally and financially viable.
By adopting these recommendations, Gympie Regional Council achieved improved efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced fleet reliability.
Testimonial
“CT Management Group and Uniqco provided Council with clear, evidence-based recommendations that have helped shape a sustainable approach to fleet management and replacement planning.”
— Manager, Infrastructure Services, Gympie Regional Council