Councils face mounting pressure to justify capital programs, close infrastructure backlogs, and meet IP&R obligations with constrained budgets. Tim McCarthy provides advice that is direct, evidence-based, and built on two decades of practice across NSW.
These are not hypothetical. They are the specific issues councils bring to Tim — and the areas where generalist advice falls short.
Renewal expenditure consistently below depreciation. The capital renewal ratio signals underinvestment — but translating that into a credible, fundable program requires specialist analysis.
AMPs that are out of date, data-light, or disconnected from the LTFP create compliance exposure and weaken grant applications. OLG expects IP&R alignment that is defensible under scrutiny.
OLG mandates independent membership with financial and risk credentials. Infrastructure is the dominant risk class for most councils — it needs specialist representation on the committee.
Fair value assessments under AASB 116 and AASB 13 require current unit rates, remaining useful life assessments, and methodologically sound documentation. Audit findings in this area are increasing.
A Director of Infrastructure or Manager of Assets vacancy — even for a few months — creates governance and delivery gaps that downstream affect budget programs, contractor management, and council reporting.
Roads to Recovery, LRCI, and disaster recovery programs require credible condition data and prioritised renewal schedules. Without them, applications are weak and funding is left on the table.
Every engagement is scoped to the council's actual situation. Deliverables are structured for the Director's desk, the GM's briefing, and the auditor's file — not filed away.
Development and review of Asset Management Strategies and Plans across all asset classes. Includes condition data review, service level frameworks, infrastructure backlog quantification, and full IP&R alignment.
Infrastructure asset valuations for council financial reporting under AASB 116 and AASB 13. Unit rate development, remaining useful life assessment, and written-down value calculation across roads, buildings, drainage, and open space.
Independent member appointments to council Audit, Risk and Improvement Committees. Provides infrastructure, asset management, and risk expertise to satisfy OLG mandatory independence requirements under the Local Government Act 1993.
Acting Director of Infrastructure, Manager of Assets, or senior technical adviser roles to cover vacancies, restructures, or project delivery surges. Operational continuity without the cost and delay of a permanent placement.
Renewal requirement analysis against Long-Term Financial Plans. Identifies funding gaps, models renewal scenarios, and produces council-ready briefing notes for budget submissions and OLG financial reporting.
Review of condition data quality, inspection programs, and risk frameworks across road, building, drainage, and open space assets. Delivers prioritised intervention schedules linked to Civil Liability Act obligations and service level commitments.
Tim McCarthy has spent over 20 years working with NSW local councils on infrastructure asset management — from small rural shires to large regional councils managing hundreds of millions in assets. He has held senior positions within leading Australasian advisory firms, where he directed and delivered asset management engagements across more than 30 councils.
His background spans both the operational and strategic sides of infrastructure. He has developed asset management frameworks applied across dozens of councils, produced IP&R-compliant reporting for councils with combined portfolios in excess of $5 billion in replacement value, and advised General Managers and Directors on the financial sustainability implications of infrastructure renewal decisions.
Where generalist consultants produce templated outputs, Tim delivers advice calibrated to each council's legislative context, financial position, and political environment — structured for the Director's briefing, the GM's report, and the auditor's file.
OLG mandates that NSW councils maintain an Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee with independent membership. Infrastructure is the dominant risk class for most councils — and the one most often underrepresented at committee level.
Typically 60–80% of total asset value. Condition deterioration, liability exposure, and renewal underfunding are all audit-relevant risks that a generalist independent member may not probe effectively.
AMPs, AMS, and LTFP alignment are mandatory under the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. The ARIC should be able to assess whether these documents are fit for purpose — not just whether they exist.
Councils with weak asset management governance are increasingly subject to OLG scrutiny, TCorp reviews, and Fit for the Future improvement requirements. Committee-level oversight is the first line of defence.
Asset data quality, valuation accuracy, and renewal planning are recurring audit themes. A specialist independent member asks the right questions before the auditor does — and that matters.
20+ years and 30+ council engagements across all scales — from large metropolitan councils to small rural shires managing lean budgets and legacy infrastructure.
| Service | Metropolitan | Regional | Rural / Remote | Typical Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asset Management Plan (AMP) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | IP&R-compliant AMP; condition review; renewal schedule |
| Asset Valuation — Fair Value | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Valuation report; unit rates; RUL assessment; WDV schedules |
| Infrastructure Backlog Analysis | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Backlog quantification; renewal gap model; LTFP input data |
| ARIC Independent Member | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Quarterly meetings; risk reporting review; specialist oversight |
| Secondment / Interim Management | ✓ | ✓ | — | Acting Director/Manager; budget and contractor management |
| Financial Sustainability Review | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Renewal funding gap; LTFP alignment; GM/Council briefing |
Whether you need an AMP reviewed, an ARIC independent member, an interim infrastructure lead, or specialist advice on a specific asset management challenge — start with a conversation.
Sydney, New South Wales
All NSW councils — metropolitan, regional & rural
Initial response within one business day