Michael O’Shannessy (PSC Fleet and Depot Manager), Kristy McBain MP (Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government), Cr Marg Applebee (Deputy Mayor Parkes Shire Council)
Parkes Shire Council has been named the Outstanding Rural and Remote Council at the 2025 National Awards for Local Government, in recognition of its innovative approach to fleet optimisation and asset management.
The award, presented at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly Dinner in Canberra on Thursday 26 June, acknowledges Parkes Shire Council’s “Fleet Optimisation and Innovation – A Smarter Approach to Asset Management” project. This is the first time that this award category has been included in the national program.
Parkes Shire Council was selected from a competitive field of 54 projects submitted for the Outstanding Rural and Remote Council category.
Michael O’Shannessy, Council’s Fleet and Depot Manager, said the award reflects several years of commitment to transforming fleet operations to better serve the organisation and community.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised on a national stage. This project has reshaped how we manage and maintain Council’s fleet – improving safety, efficiency, and transparency,” Mr O’Shannessy said.
“By building our own system in-house, we’ve not only saved costs but also created a smart, scalable solution tailored to our needs and future growth.”
Parkes Shire Council developed its own advanced fleet management system using TechnologyOne, integrating real-time data, predictive maintenance strategies, and GPS telematics.
The system provides full oversight of Council’s $18 million fleet and is designed to ensure cost-effective lifecycle management of all fleet assets, from heavy plant to small equipment.
The innovation has resulted in a shift from reactive to scheduled maintenance, improved asset availability, reduced emissions, and enhanced worker safety.