Newcastle
Interchange
Strategic engagement and communications
Case study
Client.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
Services.
Communication and engagement strategy, construction notifications, community liaison, community events, communication materials, complaints and issues management, media management, property access and negotiation.
Description.
Partnering with Laing O’Rourke, Mara were engaged to support the construction of a new rail infrastructure and train station in the inner-city of Newcastle. Mara was responsible for engagement with key stakeholders including the surrounding community directly impacted by the construction, business, and government representatives (local and state).
Our approach.
Mara’s role included seeking stakeholder feedback through the detailed design process, coordinating consultation events with agencies, government departments, council and key stakeholders, as well as complaints management, arranging access for architectural studies and dilapidation reports, and compensation for impactful work.
Mara developed positive relationships with neighbours, keeping them informed of construction, including any impacts that they may experience, including high impact 24/7 work.
Despite the high disruption over the 3-year construction, there were very few complaints.
The team delivered the engagement program to a high standard and met all government requirements. Community sentiment shifted from strongly negative to positive over the life of the project.
