The Mordialloc Freeway project was awarded as a design and construct contract with an Early Activities Phase to enable the contractor to support the client respond to the requirements of the EES. The maturity of MRPV as customer and the JV as contractor very quickly saw the language common to a D&C contract become redundant. The language of “best for project” and “one team” replaced the commercial correspondence and posturing that can result in win/lose outcomes and stymies resolution of issues.

The project was challenged early with the discovery of widespread contamination in the northern half of the alignment. This saw the project team – consultants, contractors and client – work together to apply innovative approaches to reduce the cost impact to less than 5% of the initial potential cost and saw no program impact.

The collaborative behaviours that were cemented during the discovery and resolution of the contamination challenges continued throughout the project and enabled safety, program, sustainability, social procurement, as well as staff wellbeing outcomes to exceed expectations and project contractual requirements.