2018, and beyond, sees huge investment in infrastructure projects in South Australia, much of it focused in and around Adelaide. These projects are large and diverse, such as the North-South corridor project – one of Adelaide’s most important transport routes, the electrification of the Gawler rail line and duplication of the Joy Baluch Bridge in Port Augusta. Recently the Federal Government announced its plans to fast track these 3 key infrastructure projects with the injection of almost $400 million worth of investment.
These megaprojects will secure near and long-term prospects for the region with immediate employment opportunities and long-term infrastructure benefits. Such major projects create focus on resource requirements, both human and physical, both in the immediate term and in the long-run. They create pressure on professional resources – engineers, project managers, and contract & procurement and supply chain specialists. As noted in Rowe Advisory’s previous post on Adelaide, the city recently recorded its lowest population growth figure in more than a decade meaning there will undoubtedly be a need to bring in expertise to execute the projects. To ensure all benefit, the South Australian government and industry participants need to encourage projects to be located locally and focussed on supporting long-term growth for the region.
Rowe Advisory’s consultants know the challenges faced in megaprojects of this kind. Our experience in supply chain and C&P in major projects in oil and gas, and mining and infrastructure industries means we know the importance of controlling both the project cost and timelines – overruns in these type of projects are very costly. It is imperative to have people on board who have experience of project cost and schedule control to ensure success!
Contact Jody Rowe