Aging Infrastructure and Climate Change – Considerations for Asset Management

2025 Study Tour Report

Author: Sumarga Subedi, Strategic Asset Planner, Yarra Ranges Council

Australia’s local government sector is at a critical juncture, facing the dual threat of aging infrastructure and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The legacy assets that underpin our communities—roads, drainage, public buildings, and utilities—were largely designed for a climate of the past. To ensure the future liveability, prosperity, and safety of our municipalities, a paradigm shift is required: from reactive repair to proactive, data-driven resilience.

This report documents the key findings of a technical study tour conducted in August 2025 across key cities in the United States and Canada. The tour sought to investigate innovative approaches to asset management, disaster recovery, and the design of sustainable, climate-adapted infrastructure. Through site visits, presentations, and discussions with senior leaders from twelve organisations—including the Cities of Miami Beach, Charlotte, New York, and Toronto—this study gathered actionable insights into how North American municipalities are tackling challenges directly comparable to those faced in Victoria and across Australia.