Author: Sarina Aguinaldo

The Preston LXRP, part of Victoria’s landmark Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), was a complex project to remove four level crossings, construct 2km of elevated viaducts, two new premium stations and a revitilised public corridor in Melbourne’s inner north.

WHAT WE DID: Getting Sustainability Governance Right
NWPA comprises LXRP (client), and John Holland (principal contractor), Kellogg Brown & Root (designer), and Metro Trains Melbourne (network operator). This Alliance model embeds LXRP as a partner, enabling effective collaboration, to continually raise industry standards for sustainable infrastructure.
Early project engagement and collaboration allowed NWPA to embed sustainability initiatives and processes in the development stages, rather than in the delivery phase, when the Project’s design and footprint is largely set. NWPA effectively influenced and shaped outcomes, which delivered not only a built-to-standard project, but sustainable precincts that have improved quality of life outcomes for the Preston community.

HOW WE DID IT: Governance principles for quadruple bottom line outcomes
NWPA achieved a holistically sustainable project using the governance principles of:

• early engagement,
• optioneering and multi-criteria analysis and
• partnerships and collaborations.

Early engagement for People outcomes through seeking advice, preferences and solutions:
• The Project established the Preston Open Space Advisory Panel (POSAP) during tender to engage and empower community-nominated representatives. This drove understanding and collaboration between the design and delivery team and the community. Three areas of open space were identified for the POSAP to provide their advice and preferences, which gave a sense of ownership and ensured areas of the design were inclusive and featured community-led solutions.
• NWPA directly engaged with the local Wurundjeri Elders during tender to ensure local Indigenous culture was authentically and meaningfully represented. Face-to-face workshops with local Elders allowed the Project team to walk together, learning their stories and seeking feedback on design concepts.

Optioneering and multi-criteria analysis for Planet outcomes through assessing potential engineering solutions to ensure they holistically achieve the best outcome for all:
• The Project’s innovative Single-Line Running (SLR) strategy resulted from this comprehensive process. Through careful planning, this innovation kept trains running in both directions on one track, while viaduct construction occurred on the other.
• Implemented for the first time in Victoria, the SLR strategy allowed the build of 2km of viaducts while minimising interruption to train services and commuters. This innovation overcame project constraints, minimised disruption and provided a cost-effective and clever solution that delivered multiple sustainability outcomes.

Partnerships and collaboration for Economic outcomes through early engagement with subcontractors enabled the Project to optimise industry capabilities and discover innovations:
• The successful implementation of Radiant Heat Curing (RHC) resulted from early collaboration during
tender, to develop, test and gain approval. NWPA partnered with subcontractor Civil Infrastructure Group (CIG) to develop a method of accelerating concrete curing times, allowing a rapid cast ‘in situ’ program.
NWPA has continued to leverage and further enhance its governance framework supporting the creation of sustainable infrastructure projects at Pakenham and Keon Parade. This sets a new standard for sustainable infrastructure helping other projects to build upon its success.

The Preston LXRP has achieved important outcomes for people, the planet and the economy.

Environmental achievements
Energy:
The Project reduced carbon emissions by 47% through delivery and operational initiatives.
• The Single Line Running solution reduced the cost and total hours of replacement buses for disrupted train services by 64%, with reduced bussing hours representing a carbon reduction of 494t.
• To minimise future operations emissions, project optioneering ensured the station roof was designed to maximise size and orientation for solar. The Project installed a 60kW solar array, the largest system on an LXRP station at the time, resulting in emissions savings of around 3600t of carbon over its lifetime.
• The Project also worked with Metro Trains Melbourne to reduce the number of hours feature lighting is on at night. This negotiation reduces lighting carbon emissions by 20.9%, and has been rolled out on further LXRP projects.
Materials:
The Project reduced materials embodied emissions by 24% through elimination and substitution initiatives embedded early, leading to:

• Avoidance of high cement content that would usually be needed for high-speed curing, through the Radiant Heat Curing approach, representing a 45% reduction in curing times.
• Reduction in retaining wall heights reduced concrete emissions by 42t.
• Substitution of 4kms of paths with carbon neutral EMesh and Holcim Ecopact (saving 49t carbon), adopted as a preferred solution on all LXRP projects.
  Climate Resilient New Open Spaces:
  100% of designed tree species were reviewed against University of Melbourne resilience data, with 2 species substitutions implemented to ensure long term survival in the face of a changing climate. This resulted in 60,000m2 of climate resilient landscaped spaces, increasing ecological value by 105%.

Economic achievements
The Project contributed to the local economy through:
• Creation of a modern multimodal transport hub that has improved road, public and active transport adjacent to Preston Market, a key hub for local traders.
• Creating local jobs and upskilling workers with 487 jobs, including 133 apprenticeships, created to support the construction and rail industry.
• The project engaged 22 social enterprises and 25 indigenous businesses, with a total spend of $1.28million and $28million respectively, leveraging the Project to create more jobs for disadvantaged Victorians.

Social achievements
• The Project achieved exemplar community outcomes including:
• Unlocking 60,000m2 of new public open space, creating a modern multimodal transport hub. Through advice from the Public Open Space Advisory Panel, the final outcomes feature an amphitheatre, play and exercise equipment, yarning circle, barbecue area and 2.6 km of bicycle and pedestrian pathways, connecting the local community and commuters with transport, retail and recreational facilities.
• Strong cohesion of Indigenous design elements across the Project’s architecture, integrated artwork, landscaping, and wayfinding. The theme for the Project’s ‘Oakover Green’ space was the result of workshops with Wurundjeri Traditional Owners. The story of Baliyang the bat, creator of women, is depicted, creating a space for the Indigenous female voice. A yarning circle as well as native plantings and landscaping from Aboriginal-owned contractor Wamarra, interprets, enhances, and promotes cultural learning and knowledge sharing for the community.

Sharing Outcomes:
Industry recognition is an excellent method to share and inspire outcomes across the industry. The Project has been recognised through the following awards:
• Winner – Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) Excellence in Governance Outcomes 2023 for the sustainability governance framework.
• Winner – Infrastructure Project Excellence Award at the 2023 Australasian Rail Association (ARA) Industry Awards for SRL and RHC initiatives.
• Winner – 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards – Award for Public Architecture for social and heritage outcomes.
• Winner – 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards – Award for Urban Design for social and environmental outcomes.
NWPA shares expertise and learnings from all projects to support the broader LXRP program and adoption of sustainable initiatives and innovations across wider industries through:
• Sharing case studies and lessons at relevant industry conferences including the ISC NZ Conference, ARA National Rail Sustainability Conference, AustRoads Seminar and ARA AustRail Conference.
• Sharing knowledge with Infrastructure Victoria and Infrastructure Australia to inform their policy recommendations.
• Hosting tours to local and international delegates including Ecologiq, Mass Transit Railway (MTR) from Hong Kong and the Winston Churchill Fellowship recipient from New Zealand.
• Publishing the annual NWPA Sustainability Report.
• Partnering with subcontractor CIG to patent and share the RHC technology.

The Project leaves a lasting legacy, directly benefiting Preston residents, business owners and community stakeholders and indirectly benefiting the wider construction industry.

Community
• Enhanced safety and accessibility to Preston and Bell stations on one of Melbourne’s busiest public transport routes to and from the CBD, supporting more than 200 trains a day – This was achieved whilst minimising impact to the road and public transport network and avoided some property acquisitions through the innovative SLR construction strategy. With over 80,000 customers per week, Preston Market visitors can now experience a premium station and green space directly adjacent.
• Open spaces and interconnected cycling and pedestrian paths – NWPA consulted with critical stakeholders to deliver the right public amenities and design. We engaged the Preston Open Space Advisory Panel to understand the local community’s wishes and needs. The Panel helped shape the Project at three locations, ensuring our design met expectations and benefits the wider community.
• Sharing Wurundjeri culture – supports reconciliation and sharing of cultural knowledge through authentic engagement and collaboration with Traditional Owners to represent local Indigenous culture in the new community spaces. This also directly benefits the Project team in building their understanding and respect of Aboriginal culture that they carry with them to future projects.

Diverse suppliers
• The Project significantly contributed to equity, diversity and inclusion in rail and construction. Through this Project, NWPA and its subcontractors created 487 jobs, including 133 apprenticeships. The Project has worked collaboratively with our Indigenous and Social Enterprise businesses to ensure their sustainable growth into the construction industry.

Industry
• Power of the program – NWPA uses its long-term relationships with suppliers to support sustainability solutions such as the Radiant Heat Curing (RHC) innovation. We optimise the use of subcontractor forums to inspire strategic procurement and work with suppliers to promote their solutions through innovation showcases and conferences. Through this CIG has now patented their RHC innovation which is now in use across the industry.
• Single Line Running (SLR) innovation – This was the first time this innovative and complex strategy was used on the LXRP program, setting a precedent for its use on future projects. A version of this strategy has been adopted at Keon Parade LXRP.
• NWPA has advocated and shared lessons for embedding sustainability in development with infrastructure clients in Victoria and nationally. Since providing outcomes-based evidence for Preston LXRP we have observed industry enhancements in sustainability tender requirements.

The Project set a benchmark for rail infrastructure projects by creating sustainable and bold public places. The innovations have been endorsed for future use, creating a lasting legacy impact on infrastructure projects beyond Preston.

Innovation and Knowledge Sharing
• Key innovations such as Single Line Running, Radiant Heat Curing and low carbon concrete pavement have been adopted within the construction industry in Victoria.
• The award-winning sustainability governance framework has been shared with other sustainability professionals across industries and provides a roadmap which will help project accelerate their sustainability initiatives. The 2022 NWPA Annual Report spotlights Preston’s ‘Power of the Program’ approach, available for the whole industry.

Successful Community Engagement
• Strong community engagement and collaboration with the local community through Council, the Preston Open Space Advisory Panel (POSAP), Indigenous stakeholders, businesses, and community interest groups, saw the design of a transport hub and precinct of connected public amenities that met community needs and reflected the area’s characteristics.

Urban design
The Project’s new urban precinct enhanced sustainability in the wider community through:
• Fostering a culture of collaboration to realise engagement strategies that develop community led solutions for the new ‘Oakover Green’ space.
• Enhancing human interaction and experiences with nature, which builds affinity and appreciation for the environment.
• Bringing Indigenous culture and knowledge to the forefront of design, which supports reconciliation and encourages the perception of urban spaces embedded in a wider cultural context.
• Encourages and enables active transport, specifically cycling and walking, which reduces transport emissions and helps create community resilience through better health outcomes.

Governance
• NWPA’s approach to continuous improvement ensures we are at the forefront of sustainable innovations, embedding sustainability in projects, such as Preston, as early as possible.
• In 2021, the role of Strategic Procurement Manager was created, to focus on the sourcing of sustainable materials and innovative subcontractors, and to support diversity by engaging social enterprises and Indigenous-owned businesses.
• In 2023, NWPA promoted its Sustainability Manager to Director Transformation and Sustainability, to ensure sustainability is represented at all key strategic decision-making gates and drive our team to continually strive for transformational change towards sustainability.

Sustainable Development Goals:
The initiatives highlighted in this submission address nine UN SDGs and are measured, tracked, and publicly reported to drive improvement for each project.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing through the reduction of road injuries by removing four level crossings and increasing shared user paths by 105%.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy through a 17% increase in renewable energy through 90kW solar system at Bell and Preston stations, and 47% overall energy reduction.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through our social enterprise engagement (total spend $1.28m) and diverse employment, creating local jobs and engaging local businesses.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through sustainable governance and innovative engineering solutions such as SLR and RHC.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through the creation of equitable, inclusive public spaces and facilities while also supporting Aboriginal-owned businesses (total spend $28 million) and social enterprises
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through resilient, inclusive and sustainable urban design which created 60,000m2 of sustainable public spaces and improved urban mobility.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption through 22% materials embodied carbon reduction, sustainable procurement practices and annual reporting.
• SDG 13: Climate Action through 100% tree species designed for climate resilience.
• SDG 15: Life on Land through 105% enhancement of ecological value.

The Project leveraged complex engineering challenges to improve the quality of life for the surrounding communities, embedding sustainability early into project development to realise exceptional sustainability outcomes. This approach can be adapted to any greenfield development, brownfield development, and urban renewal projects.

Our approach

Driven by our sustainability and minimise-impact-construction approach – the Project serves as a beacon of responsible and effective infrastructure development. By prioritising people, environmental stewardship and resource optimisation, learning and development, safety, and community engagement – the Project set a new standard for delivery excellence that transcends size and scope. Our value-added contributions to the contract, investment in people, innovative solutions, and sustainability initiatives showcase its worthiness as a CCF Earth Awards Winner and endorsement of the Project’s “Excellent” IS v1.2 Design and As-Built ratings.

Ingenuity and innovation

Top down-bottom up, SWC successfully integrated sustainability, proactive risk and opportunity management, and cohesive decision-making into this award-winning Project. This comprehensive and holistic approach drove industry leading and many Victorian-first innovations across three key areas including:

1. Design innovations
   The integration of sustainability in design has been optimized in the project by leveraging the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), workshops, brainstorming sustainable strategies, collaborative assessments, and identifying opportunities for innovation. This approach ensured that the project not only meets its functional requirements but also contributes to a more sustainable future. The feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential environmental impact of the proposed design and material were evaluated during design phase.
   • Incorporating the use of MST Bars in the post and panel retaining walls and SUP in place of steel reinforcement first.
   • Recycled Tyre derived bitumen binder (rCB)
2. As Built (construction) innovations
   In terms of as-built innovations, we continued to foster a culture of innovation through several initiatives:
   • Maintained and updated the Risk and Opportunity (R&O) Register to track and manage project risks and opportunities.
   • Encourage bottom-up innovation by actively seeking out and recognizing ”good ideas” from the team through the ”Good Idea Poster QR” initiative.
   • Continued with the Management Commitment Agreement (MCA), fostering a sense of ownership and accountability for project success.
   • Dedicated resources to social procurement efforts to drive softer initiatives and create positive social impact alongside project delivery.
   These efforts collectively contributed to a project environment where innovation was valued and encouraged at all levels, resulted in,
   • Exceeded Recycled First commitments by maximising circular Economy and materials recovery processes.
   • ‘Behind the Barriers’ an immersive school engagement initiative between NAWIC MRPV SWC aimed at increasing female participation in the construction industry (an Australian first)
   • ‘Constructionarium’ – all-female Big-Build (the first for Victoria)
   • Employment of an asylum seeker via Engineering Pathway Industry Cadetship (EPIC)
   • Subcontract of Women In Construction – a first all-female labouring company in Victoria
   • Engagement of ReBuild a YMCA young offenders’ program
   Despite its modest scale, the Project is technically complex and is distinguished by its innovations, exemplary safety management and value add community contributions. The Project’s many successes was achieved through the collaborative D&C contract model and our unwavering approach to people and the community, climate action, resource optimisation and CSR from day one. By valuing the contributions of the entire Project team, we were able to focus on stakeholder and community engagement, implement robust safety processes, minimise environmental impact and strengthen corporate social responsibility (CSR) through sustainability.

Just some of the key initiatives/outcomes,

I. Victorian first trial of recycled wearing course – Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)
As a result of the trial, the Victorian Government’s ecologiQ program has added rCB material to their suite of materials.

II. Glass fibre reinforced polymer bars – MST-Bar®
Noticing an absence of an Australian Standard for the design of concrete structures using GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer), we detailed 13-page technical paper to the Technical Reference Panel. The subsequent approval and use of MST-Bars® contributed to a more environmentally friendly construction process.

III. An MRPV – Seymour Whyte first; a shared completions dashboard.
The innovative shared dashboard, which provided completion status for both practical completion and closeout covered. The shared dashboard was so effective, that it has now been rolled out across several other MRPV projects.

IV. Circular Economy:
 Reuse of site won materials on the site, recycle and divert waste from landfill.
o 95.9% of 2792m3 of topsoil removed during demolition works was stored at a facility and transported back to site periodically for use.
o 100% of 96.6 tonnes of site generated mulch reused for landscaping.
o 100% of 49,080 m3 of fill material was used in land rehabilitation.
o 99.9% of 7955 tonnes of crushed rock & asphalt profiling removed during demolition works was reconditioned & reused for permanent access tracks below the bridge.
o 100% of 49,080 m3 of fill material was used in land rehabilitation.
o 93% General office waste recycled
o 92% Site waste was recycled
 Recycled used PPE and work uniform through UPPAREL for reuse/repurpose and diverted 500 items (80Kg) waste from landfill
 Recycled star pickets composed of 100% recycled polypropylene;
 100% recycled FOD rumble grids
 11600m of 100% recycled Megaflow aggregate pipes
 Recycled bollard- A sustainable social procurement for people with disabilities
 Recycled plastic used in place of Steel reinforcing Mesh
 Reducing cement content by at least 30% in non-structural concrete.
 A non-woven geotextile made from Australian Recycled Polymers, “Bidim’ green in pavements
 Footpath construction using eMesh concrete.

2. Stake holders Engagement
   By working inclusively with MRPV and the community, the team minimised disruptions wherever possible. Consequently, no complaints from the community received during construction.
   IAP2 public participation spectrum consultation process to map the unique perspectives and needs of each stakeholder and embedding this ‘map’ into all planning and decision-making.
   Through direct consultation, Individualised engagement and proactive measures, we successfully addressed concerns and maintained a positive relationship with this valued stakeholder.
3. Community and People (Development & Training)
   Behind the Barriers A NAWIC MRPV Seymour Whyte Initiative
   Local primary school students were invited on site to tour the works and learn more about the local environment with site engineers and members of the team.
   Rebuilding the lives of local young offenders
   The Project partnered with YMCA’s ReBuild program which provides disadvantaged young offenders with employable skills and training. All trees removed were donated to Rebuild.
   A Victorian First-Women in Construction ‘all female’ labour hire company –Providing them their first contract, uniforms, solar powered sheds, offering upskilling through roller operator / excavator tickets and site mentoring.
   33% women representation on the project vs. 12% representation in construction industry
   33% women in leadership vs 10% representation in the industry
   Indigenous Connections
   To coincide with NAIDOC Week, we commissioned Dandenong-born Terry Hayes (Connect) to paint two Indigenous artworks, who was initially hired as a cleaner.
   Alpha Indigenous – an inaugural milestone
   First Nations employment 4.64%
   5.95% First Nation business spend
   8.05% social spend
   more than 30,000 hours worked by apprentices, trainees and cadets, in a significant contribution towards the State Government Skills Guarantee
   more than 18,000 ATSI hours.
   Project outcomes were disseminated through various channels, including:
   o ecologiQ
   o Victoria’s Big Build Program
   o Major Road Interface Committee for Sustainability (MRICS)
   o Infrastructure Magazine (articles: ”Waste not, want not: MRPV’s new recycling partnership”, ”Sustainable glass bars for Pound Road West Upgrade”, “Recycled Tyre for Sustainable Roads: Alex Fraser Group)
   o Dandenong Star Journal (”Pound Road to open soon”)
   o LinkedIn, Facebook posts
   o Shared among Seymour Whyte Employees through Environment & Sustainability monthly knowledge sharing webinars
   o Emloyee internal communication- Viva Engage posts
   o Local Primary school students and community

1. Environment:
   • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Through innovative materials like rCB asphalt, GFRP bars, and recycled aggregates, the project actively reduced carbon emissions and resource depletion.
   • Waste Minimisation: The focus on circular economy principles led to significant waste diversion from landfills, promoting resource efficiency.
2. Local Community and businesses:
   • Improved Infrastructure: Residents and businesses benefit from enhanced connectivity, congestion, and safer roads.
   • Minimal Disruption: Proactive stakeholder engagement and thoughtful construction planning minimised community disruption.
   • Economic Boost: Over 98% of the contract value was reinvested locally, supporting business and jobs.
   • Development Opportunities: School visits and partnerships with programs provided valuable learning and development experiences for the community.
   • Social Inclusion: Initiatives promoted diversity and inclusion, providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in the construction industry.
3. Workforce:
   • Skills Development: trainees gained valuable on-the-job experience, contributing to the Victorian Government’s skills guarantee.
   • Diversity & Inclusion: The project championed female participation in construction and exceeded targets for Indigenous employment and business engagement.
   • Safe Working Environment: The project’s commitment to safety ensured the well-being of all workers.
   • Worker Well-being: The project prioritized the physical and mental health of its workforce, fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
4. Project Partners & Industry:
   • Seymour Whyte, SMEC, and MRPV: The project’s completion ahead of schedule (7.5 weeks early) and under budget, despite challenges, strengthens Project partners’ reputation and demonstrates their ability to deliver complex projects efficiently. Enhanced reputation for delivering innovative, sustainable, and community-focused infrastructure projects.
   • Construction Industry: The project showcased best practices in sustainable construction and stakeholder engagement, setting a benchmark for future projects.
   • Victorian Government: The successful trial of rCB asphalt led to its inclusion in the ecologiQ program, advancing sustainable infrastructure practices across the state.
5. Construction Industry and society:
   • Knowledge Sharing: The project’s documentation and advocacy for new standards related to sustainable materials will inspire and enable other companies to adopt similar practices, fostering industry-wide change. Through publications, webinars, and awards submissions, the project’s learnings and successes were shared, inspiring others in the industry.
   • Sustainable Infrastructure Model: The project demonstrated that even technically complex projects can prioritize environmental responsibility and community well-being.
   • Innovation & Progress: The successful trials of rCB and GFRP pave the way for wider adoption of sustainable materials and technologies in the industry, promoting innovation and progress towards a greener future.
   By prioritising sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, the project has left a positive legacy that benefits a wide range of stakeholders.

The Pound Road West Upgrade & Frankston-Dandenong Road Bridge Upgrade project has left a lasting legacy that aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). By prioritizing sustainability, community engagement, and innovation, the project has made significant contributions to the following goals:

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Innovation: The project’s successful trials of recycled asphalt (Victorian First) and GFRP bars demonstrate a commitment to innovation in the construction industry. These new materials and technologies have the potential to transform future infrastructure projects, making them more sustainable and efficient.
Infrastructure Development: The project has upgraded critical infrastructure in the region, improving connectivity, safety, and accessibility. This contributes to the overall development and economic growth of the area.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Resilient Infrastructure: The upgraded infrastructure is designed to withstand future climate challenges, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the community.
Inclusive Cities: The project’s focus on community engagement and social impact initiatives has helped to create more inclusive and equitable urban environments.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Circular Economy: The project’s emphasis on recycling and reuse of materials promotes a circular economy, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Sustainable Materials: The use of recycled and sustainable materials demonstrates a commitment to responsible consumption and production practices.

SDG 13: Climate Action
Reduced Carbon Emissions: The project’s innovations in materials and construction methods have reduced carbon emissions (25% Emission Reduction -10,032KtCO2e) and 20.7% reduction in energy associated with infrastructure development.
Climate Resilience: The upgraded infrastructure contributes to climate resilience by improving the community’s ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

SDG 15: Life on Land
Biodiversity Conservation: By minimizing waste and promoting sustainable practices, the project helps to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Collaboration: The project’s success is a testament to the importance of collaboration between government agencies, industry partners, and communities.

The legacy of the Pound Road West Upgrade & Frankston-Dandenong Road Bridge Upgrade project extends beyond the immediate benefits to the community. By demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable and innovative approaches, the project has helped to pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. The project’s impact will be felt for years to come, as it inspires future infrastructure development efforts and sets new standards for environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

By prioritising sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, the project has left a legacy that will benefit future generations.