Government agencies and local councils oversee large and costly infrastructure projects often spread over vast areas. This requires robust risk assessment and accountability systems to ensure that what is being invested in will produce cost-effective, quality outcomes. It is common to seek advice from external experts to help decide the best way to approach a problem or develop a project. However, as part of the quality assurance process, it is also common to commission impartial peer reviews from other experts in the same field to ensure that the advice is sound. GenEng Solutions was approached by the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME) to conduct such a review.
Legislation requires that all water flowing from the artesian basin is fully controlled by 2027—Water Plan (Great Artesian Basin and Other Regional Aquifers)—and previous and existing programs supported by generous government funding have resulted in many bores being replaced or upgraded to meet these requirements. However, works to control all remaining flowing bores is incrementally more difficult with some resistance by landowners and remote locations of many bores making replacement more difficult. DNRME commissioned a report to provide assessment options for the ongoing management of the program and a recommended program delivery model to ensure the Department’s 2027 goal is met. Having team members with previous experience in Great Artesian Basin rehabilitation works, GenEng Solutions was invited to conduct a peer review of this report.
Approach
Our review of the report focussed on:
- The recommended costings and supporting assumptions
- Consideration of the model proposed
- Identifying opportunities for additional savings
We also researched previous delivery models for the program to determine what strengths could be adopted from these, and what weaknesses should be avoided. Our close relationships with others in the industry ensured we gained valuable input and advice in support of our highly experienced registered artesian driller’s technical input.
Outcome
Our report delivered to DNRME a list of strengths and weaknesses that we identified in the original report’s proposed Project Management model. The outcome supported the Departmental officers to determine which aspects of the program delivery model were beneficial for completion of the balance of the program.