Global toll road developer and operator, Transurban, is the latest major partner to join Australian National University’s ground-breaking Next Generation Engagement Program.
The program, believed to be the largest of its kind in the world, aims to improve the relationship between communities and infrastructure projects, to identify and promote best practice and to support positive community outcomes from major infrastructure delivery. It is researching five priority themes for the infrastructure sector, as defined by industry and government during 2017.
Program leader, Associate Professor Sara Bice, said:
“We’re thrilled to bring such an experienced infrastructure proponent into this work and to have Transurban’s global perspective. Transurban’s expertise will help us to better understand community engagement and ways to mitigate social risks. These are critical factors for infrastructure projects’ success.”
In a unique partnership, Next Gen researchers will be hosted at Transurban to gain an inside perspective on community engagement in the infrastructure sector. Transurban will also work with Next Gen’s other industry partners to help shed light on how healthy community/proponent relationships can improve infrastructure delivery.
Group Executive, Corporate Affairs Henry Byrne, said:
“Soaring population growth and record investment into infrastructure presents legitimate challenges and it’s incumbent on us to engage with communities as transparently as possible on issues that may affect them. By working with communities, we can drive better outcomes and we are pleased to be partnering with the Next Gen Project to share our insights and continue to improve the service we offer.”
Transurban joins Melbourne Water in working with the Next Generation Engagement Team on its Flagship Research Project – The International Infrastructure and Engagement Case Centre.
“The International Infrastructure and Engagement Case Centre will be the first of its kind and will provide us with the pool of data needed to answer many of industry’s most burning questions. We’re studying the value of engagement, the pricing of social risk and the most effective timings and approaches for engagement to build enduring social license,” Dr Bice said.
“Transurban is demonstrating leadership through its early involvement, helping us to shape the Case Centre through its major contribution.”
Stay in touch with the latest from Next Gen at www.nextgenengagement.org
MEDIA CONTACTS
Next Generation Engagement Program – Kirsty O’Connell 0411 100 734
Transurban – Josie Brophy 0437 165 424