Level Crossing Removal Project | LXRA | Victoria State Government

$1.6B, PPP Victorian Government, Level Crossing Removal Project, Caufield to Dandenong (CD9)

Role: Community Engagement Specialist

Sector: Infrastructure | Transport | Government

Overview

The Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRA) was a $1.6B Victorian Government PPP and one of Melbourne’s largest infrastructure programs. The project removed nine dangerous and congested level crossings while delivering a 3.2km elevated rail corridor and transforming 22.5 hectares into new open space, parklands, and community assets.

An Australian engineering first saw the introduction of a 60m wheeled straddle carrier—longer than an Olympic swimming pool—for installing elevated rail spans in constrained urban environments. This innovative approach enabled construction from above while maintaining live rail operations along the Cranbourne–Pakenham line, addressing one of the most technically complex sections of the program.

Role & Scope

Community Engagement Specialist supporting the delivery of a large-scale, high-profile engagement program across one of Victoria’s most complex infrastructure projects. I worked at the interface of project delivery, engineering, and community—ensuring stakeholder and community insights informed design, construction, and urban outcomes.

In addition to leading engagement activities, I managed the relocation of residents impacted by the project, working closely with affected communities to navigate change, minimise disruption, and maintain trust throughout the transition.

I balanced technical project delivery with sensitive community engagement in a highly visible, evolving environment, kept stakeholders aligned, and supported ongoing construction and innovation on-site.

Key Responsibilities

Supported the resident relocation program alongside the Project Engineer, aligning relocation schedules with construction works to minimise disruption and ensure a coordinated, community-focused approach
Designed and delivered community engagement strategies across face-to-face, digital, and written channels
Facilitated Stakeholder Liaison Groups and ongoing engagement with key community representatives
Coordinated consultation activities, including community hubs, forums, surveys, and feedback platforms
Worked closely with project engineers and scheduling teams to align engagement with delivery timelines
Managed stakeholder communications and ensured consistent, clear project messaging
Collected, analysed, and translated community feedback into actionable insights for project teams

Key Achievements

Delivered engagement across a high-profile $1.6B infrastructure program with broad community impact
Successfully captured and integrated stakeholder feedback into urban design and open space outcomes
Maintained strong stakeholder alignment across a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
Contributed to the creation of safe, accessible, and community-focused public spaces
Supported transparency and trust through consistent and inclusive engagement practices

Capability Highlights

Straddle carrier installing elevated rail spans Level Crossing Removal Project Melbourne infrastructure — 60m straddle carrier installing elevated rail spans as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project

Straddle carrier lifting 600 tonne concrete rail span during Level Crossing Removal Project construction at night — 600-tonne concrete rail span installed using a straddle carrier as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project

Level Crossing Removal Project community update September 2017 Caulfield to Dandenong construction progress and disruptions — Community update outlining construction progress, disruptions, and consultation for the Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project

Let's Connect

Whether you're seeking strategic communications support, stakeholder engagement expertise, project advisory services, writing, collaboration opportunities or simply want to start a conversation, I'd love to hear from you.

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