The North of the Merri River Structure Plan and Development Contributions Plan (DCP) provide the road-map for delivering vital infrastructure to support development in the North of the Merri growth area in Warrnambool, Victoria. This presentation looks at the challenges involved in meeting the objectives set out in these plans and shares valuable insights that could assist other public works projects facing similar challenges.
Funding constraints represent some of the most significant challenges, with insufficient budgets and limited allocations for critical elements, such as land acquisition, creating ongoing obstacles. Furthermore, slower-than-anticipated development has delayed developer contributions, complicating efforts to provide timely and adequate infrastructure and services to the community. These delays contribute to scope creep, increasing financial strain and extending timelines. These adjustments stem from changing physical conditions, such as the emergence of new underground services that need to be worked around, and evolving design standards that must be met. Additionally, section 173 agreements have proven inadequate for managing large-scale projects delivered as works in kind. These agreements lack sufficient enforcement mechanisms to uphold quality standards and ensure alignment with project requirements. Managing community expectations has also posed challenges, as new residents – often assured by developers of rapid infrastructure upgrades – anticipate a pace that current funding levels cannot sustain. Meanwhile, coordination with other public entities, including the Department of Transport and Planning, adds complexity but remains vital to deliver the integrated services needed to support a growing community.
Several key lessons have emerged from these experiences. Accurate scoping and budgeting are essential; advancing project designs beyond conceptual stages during the DCP drafting phase will help produce more precise cost estimates and mitigate funding gaps. Regular, programmed reviews of the DCP will also prove invaluable, enabling Council to respond to evolving conditions and ensure that projects remain aligned with community priorities.
Proactive narrative management is equally important, requiring clear, realistic communication about project timelines and limitations to counter the often overly optimistic expectations set by developers. Recently, Council introduced targeted engagement strategies to build transparency and strengthen community trust. By setting up “listening posts” within local areas, residents gained direct access to the project team, enabling real-time answers to their concerns and first-hand updates. This approach received positive feedback, as it allowed residents to engage directly with Council, reducing miscommunication and fostering realistic expectations.
Strategic partnerships are likewise critical. Close alignment with entities like the Department of Transport and Planning means that services, such as public transport routes, can be better coordinated to match the timing of new infrastructure projects. This approach helps ensure that services are available when they’re needed, creating a more seamless experience for the community.
The implementation of the North of the Merri DCP offers valuable insights into infrastructure delivery amid fluctuating development contexts. Council’s experiences underscore the need for adaptable planning, transparent community engagement, coordinated partnerships, and a proactive approach to revising project plans – all of which are essential for delivering infrastructure outcomes that are timely, effective, and attuned to the community’s needs.