The Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) was established by the Victorian Government to remove 75 of Melbourne's most dangerous and congested level crossings by 2025, including station upgrades, new track and associated rail improvements.
The SPA is removing level crossings on the Frankston line and in Hurstbridge they are duplicating part of the line. Working with our Alliance partners, Acciona, Coleman Rail, Metro Trains Melbourne and the Level Crossing Removal Project, WSP’s communications and engagement consultants are part of the team delivering the Initial Works Package and the Additional Works Packages 1- 4 with a project value of $2.9 billion.
Our role
Our team has been involved since project inception developing and delivering strategic engagement and communication strategies designed to build awareness and understanding around the project goals and scope, and to develop and maintain positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders.
We have also developed strategies which facilitate community input to the project and establish mechanisms for the community to raise queries and manage community expectations. This has allowed us to create the direction in which engagement activities move across the program of works.
Our team are involved in:
- engaging and communicating with residents
- supporting local business owners using tailored strategies
- implementing programs and activities for local schools
- working with other key stakeholders to ensure positive outcomes
- developing communication and marketing collateral
- organising stakeholder and community events
- implementing activities and programs that lead the way in social value and inclusion.
The outcome
With our proactive and early engagement approach the team is helping the project manage and mitigate adverse construction impacts for residents, businesses, road users and the wider community, while developing opportunities to maximise positive community impacts and social value. WSP consultants have played a key role leading and supporting SPA’s engagement and communications team to achieve the following.
- Designing and delivering a consultation program working with residents, traders and other stakeholders on how best to revitalise Carrum. With the removal of the level crossings, our team helped shape the improved connectivity and vibrant community spaces which formed a significant part of this program of works.
- Through our business and trader engagement activities, many businesses are not only thriving during construction, but manage to create longer term positive outcomes.
- By engaging with schools early, we ensure timely information is communicated effectively and that mitigation strategies are in place for local families. The programs and events we organise deliver social value outcomes for local kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, allowing students to learn about the project, careers in construction and local Indigenous knowledge, as well as participate in community events.
- Working with local councils as well as the Community and Trader Reference Groups, we have planned and implemented a number of community events celebrating project milestones, holidays, promoting traders and supporting local fundraising efforts. These events have been well received by local businesses and the wider community, drawing large crowds and strengthening project acceptance and understanding. During construction, our team are proactive in offering relocation to residents during 24/7 works and liaising with the construction team to manage impacts.
- Our team produces monthly newsletter updates for both residents and businesses, providing an overview of project progress, upcoming disruptions, opportunities to meet the project team and promotion of local events and businesses. These newsletters are delivered to thousands of households in the project area and provide a source of truth for project information.
- Our team also leads the way in contributing to the strong social value commitment of the project. Working with local universities and TAFES, we have developed digital solutions, such as apps and games, to connect with the community. We have engaged with local schools and Aboriginal artists to contribute to project design and community events in meaningful and long-lasting ways. Our team has engaged with not-for-profit and charitable organisations to offer our workforce and resources as a means of giving back to the communities we work in. We also work with social enterprises to produce and deliver our communications and marketing requirements, including catering, printing, extra hands at events, and initiatives such as incorporating local artwork into project designs.
You can read more about the additional services we provided on the Southern Program Alliance.
