Melbourne Water | Victoria State Government

Melbourne Water sewer upgrade construction works in urban environment
Melbourne Water infrastructure upgrade works across Melbourne

$45M Melbourne Water Program of Works

Role: Community Engagement Specialist / Lead

Sector: Infrastructure | Water | Utilities

A selection of projects delivered as part of Melbourne Water’s infrastructure upgrade and rehabilitation program:

  • Maribyrnong River Main (MRM) Sewer Upgrade
  • Williamstown Sewer Rehabilitation Project
  • North Drop Structure Works
  • M41 Merri Creek to MCG Water Main Renewal

Overview

Melbourne Water’s infrastructure upgrade and rehabilitation program was established to maintain and enhance the reliability, capacity, and longevity of critical sewer and water assets across metropolitan Melbourne.

Delivered in partnership with Tier 1 contractor CPB Contractors, the program formed part of Melbourne Water’s broader capital works strategy to address ageing infrastructure, support population growth, and ensure the continued delivery of essential services to the community.

The program included major sewer upgrades, rehabilitation works, and water main renewals across multiple locations, often within constrained, urban, and community-sensitive environments. Works were carefully planned and staged to minimise disruption while maintaining service continuity and managing risks associated with construction in highly visible public settings.

A key focus of the program was balancing technical delivery with community impact — ensuring infrastructure upgrades were delivered efficiently while maintaining strong relationships with local communities, stakeholders, and Traditional Owners where applicable.

Maribyrnong River Main (MRM) Sewer Upgrade

Location: Melbourne (Avondale Heights, Essendon West, Aberfeldie)

Project Overview:
Upgrade of a critical 8.8km sewer asset transporting approximately 24 million litres of wastewater daily to the Western Treatment Plant, ensuring long-term capacity and reliability for surrounding communities.

My Role:
I led community engagement and communications, developing project-specific strategies to manage stakeholder enquiries, complaints, and relationships across diverse community groups. I managed communications during emergency works and worked closely with stakeholders to mitigate social impacts.

Key Achievements:

  • Delivered high-level communications during emergency works
  • Provided cultural awareness support and engagement with the Wurundjeri people
  • Helped strengthen relationships with Traditional Owners while minimising impact to sensitive land areas
  • Successfully managed complex stakeholder environments across multiple impacted suburbs

North Drop Structure Works

Location: Spotswood, Victoria

Project Overview:
Upgrade and repair of a critical sewer diversion structure originally constructed in the 1960s, supporting continued functionality of the network.

My Role:
I supported the development and delivery of communication strategies and stakeholder engagement plans tailored to minimise disruption and manage project risks.

Key Achievements:

  • Developed targeted communication approaches for sensitive construction activities
  • Supported stakeholder alignment across technical teams and impacted parties
  • Contributed to minimising social impact and disruption during works

M41 Merri Creek to MCG Water Main Renewal

Location: Melbourne (inner suburbs)

Project Overview:
Renewal of a key water main servicing over 350,000 residents and businesses, ensuring long-term reliability of essential water infrastructure.

My Role:
I supported communications and stakeholder engagement, including community notifications, stakeholder briefings, and enquiry management.

Key Achievements:

  • Delivered clear and consistent communication to affected communities
  • Supported community engagement activities including information sessions and stakeholder presentations
  • Managed public enquiries and minimised disruption through proactive communication
  • Contributed to maintaining stakeholder confidence throughout construction

Williamstown Sewer Rehabilitation Project

Location: Williamstown, Victoria

Project Overview:
Rehabilitation of ageing sewer infrastructure, including works to the North Drop Structure, ensuring continued service reliability for the local community.

My Role:
I led stakeholder engagement and communications, managing community relationships, enquiries, and project impacts throughout construction.

Key Achievements:

  • Developed and delivered a targeted communication campaign during major road occupation
  • Created a community-focused campaign incorporating project updates and local historical context
  • Acted as the primary interface between project and stakeholders including council, emergency services, and transport authorities
  • Received commendations from Hobsons Bay Council and the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce for delivery of the campaign

Capability Overview

Community & Stakeholder Engagement | Strategic Communications & Campaign Delivery | Infrastructure & Utilities Projects | Multi-Site Program Coordination | Issue & Risk Management | Community Impact Mitigation | Stakeholder Interface Management (Government, Council, Emergency Services) | Cultural Heritage Engagement (Traditional Owners) | Public-Facing Communications & Enquiry Management | Technical Translation & Community-Focused Messaging

Back to Projects
Williamstown historical campaign materials sewer project community engagement Melbourne Water
Historical Campaign Series – Williamstown Sewer Project
Historical Williamstown football teams and Ned Kelly reference Melbourne Water project community campaign
Williamstown Football History – Community Campaign
Historical Williamstown ferries and waterfront transport Melbourne Water community campaign
Williamstown Ferry History – Community Campaign
Historical sewer construction 1936 open trench method Melbourne Water archives
Historical Sewer Works – 1936 Construction Methods
Ferguson Street Williamstown work zone community campaign Melbourne Water sewer project
Ferguson Street Work Zone – Community Campaign Implementation
Ferguson Street Williamstown work zone community campaign Melbourne Water sewer project
Ferguson Street Work Zone – Community Campaign Implementation
Slip lining equipment used in sewer rehabilitation works at Williamstown, Melbourne Water project
Williamstown Sewer Rehabilitation – Slip Lining Equipment
Sewer slip lining equipment Melbourne Water pipeline rehabilitation process
Sewer Slip Lining Process – Melbourne Water
Traverse entry equipment inside sewer pipe slip lining process Melbourne Water
Traverse Entry – Sewer Slip Lining Process
Community notification and work staging map for Williamstown Main Sewer Rehabilitation Project by Melbourne Water
Williamstown Sewer Rehabilitation – Project Update & Work Staging Map
Williamstown sewer project construction notification map and resident update Melbourne Water
Construction Notifications – Multi-Stage Project Communication
Williamstown sewer project construction notification map and resident update Melbourne Water
Construction Notifications – Multi-Stage Project Communication
Williamstown sewer project construction update map multiple work zones Melbourne Water notification
Construction Update Notification – Williamstown Sewer Project
Project outcomes and stakeholder engagement results for Williamstown Sewer Rehabilitation Project, Melbourne Water
Williamstown Sewer Rehabilitation – Project Outcomes & Commendation
Stakeholder communications schedule for Williamstown Sewer Rehabilitation Project showing engagement activities and timelines
Williamstown Sewer Rehabilitation – Communications & Engagement Schedule
Stakeholder communications schedule for Williamstown Sewer Rehabilitation Project showing engagement activities and timelines
Williamstown Sewer Rehabilitation – Communications & Engagement Schedule

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