Road Survey to capture accurate picture of Council’s Road Network

Published on 25 November 2025

Livingstone Shire Council is set to undertake an electronic survey of its road and footpath assets this week to assess its condition and accurately inform the development of priority works programs.

Mayor Adam Belot said the electronic survey will give Council a true picture of the condition of its road and footpath network that is not only essential to inform future works but also used to complete asset valuations.

“The technology provides an online mapping environment to visually show all the roads that Council owns and maintains,” Mayor Belot said.

“The engineering firm will be undertaking the footpath inspections through a combination of walking and their camera mounted e-bike, which is a first for Livingstone Shire Council.

“Priority works are mapped based on defects, so we know where, when, and how often roads need to be maintained.

“It helps Council to make informed decisions on the future works program for the next three to five years, ensuring we prioritise the renewal of roads and footpaths with the highest level of defects. This also ensures Council gets the best value for money from our ongoing investment in its local transport assets.”

Council have engaged engineering firm SHEPHERD to undertake the survey using their own RACAS® (Road Asset Condition Assessment System) technology mounted on a vehicle to assess both sealed and unsealed roads.

SHEPHERD assists councils to optimise their road maintenance budgets and deliver safer road networks to the community with its Road Asset Condition Assessment System RACAS® using AI technology that has been developed by Works Engineers for Works Engineers.

RACAS® captures high-definition images every 10 metres, GPS, and roughness data to electronically produce a condition rating for both the road surface and road pavement.

Infrastructure Portfolio Co-Lead, Councillor Rhodes Watson, said as the RACAS Survey vehicle travels at the same speed as normal traffic, no disruptions are anticipated to residents and motorists.

“Roads and their management are the single largest cost item for regional councils and present challenges that are unique to rural and remote areas given the vast size of networks and limited rate bases,” Cr Watson said.

“Council is pleased to undertake this vital survey with SHEPHERD to ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date data to guide our maintenance and renewal programs.

“This information will allow us to prioritise works based on real asset condition rather than estimates, helping us plan more effectively and use our resources where they’re needed most.

“Our aim is to continue delivering safe and accessible roads and footpaths for our community now and for years to come,” Cr Watson said.