Case Study – Rail

In partnership with Qubist, we provided an updated Cost Risk Review Report (Narromine to Gowrie) to inform the incoming Board and new CEO and to enable the Executive and Board to address future funding from the Commonwealth with a higher degree of confidence.

We determined that the current project plan, known as the Current Program, was not feasible due to several key challenges. Among the primary reasons for this infeasibility were the issues surrounding land acquisition and the status of environmental planning approvals. Both factors were not adequately advanced to support the ambitious program's timelines. Consequently, the Review Team recommended incorporating additional time into the overall program to address these challenges productively.

However, we saw this extra time as an opportunity to improve the project. This included conducting further design development, engineering studies, and field studies to reduce project risks. It also offered a chance to reconfigure the project, revisiting delivery sequencing and commercial strategies for more efficiency.

Several recommendations included restructuring priorities from schedule-driven to cost-driven, refining design management, and clarifying land acquisition priorities. We also proposed retaining key contractors and designers for EIS and emphasising social and interface responsibilities.

The independent review highlighted the significant challenges faced by the Inland Rail Project, emphasising the need for a shift in priorities to ensure a cost-effective and efficient completion while addressing the complexities surrounding land acquisition and environmental planning.

Outcomes and Client Benefits

Lidiar Advisory, in partnership with Qubist, provided an assessment and recommendation to optimise the overall delivery of the project, incorporating detailed analysis of all key influences. The report was delivered in a compressed time-frame to support executive and board-level understanding of the current status of this national project. It underpinned changes to the critical strategic direction of priorities, resourcing, procurement, and cost on the project.

This engagement led to further involvement, with the client assigning Lidiar Advisory to liaise with a range of suppliers and service providers to review the status of contractor engagements and project cost based on the planned risk allocation.

To learn more about how we can support your next projects visit Capabilities – Lidiar Group or contact David Plowman.