The HSA Group and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) went beyond the Collaborative Project Agreement (CPA) base requirements to rely on each other as trusted partners. Together they delivered a positive legacy to the townships of Gordonvale and Edmonton, and the greater Cairns region. This paper reflects on the trials and triumphs from the delivery of the Edmonton to Gordonvale (E2G) project; a scheme that transformed a 10.5km stretch of the Bruce Highway, relocated 4.7km of Queensland Rail’s North Coast Line, and replaced 11km of MSF Sugar’s cane rail network.
In a unique approach outside the industry Alliance model, AECOM was engaged as a Joint Venture partner (rather than a consultant) alongside John Holland and Seymour Whyte to form HSA Group. This elevated position allowed TMR direct access to the designers and encouraged compromise and collaboration in making best-for-project decisions, even where they departed from the Scope of Works and Technical Criteria.
In this paper, we will present a range of the productivity, sustainability and community achievements that were realised through the leadership, communication, co-location and a shared vision of project success. A focus will be placed on what made this specific CPA so successful in its development and delivery. Importantly, the paper reflects on what collaboration means for Queensland Rail when involved in a ‘typical’ TMR ‘Design and Construct’ project – especially in the context of Rail Safety National Law – and how Queensland Rail can be accommodated on future projects.
