Spectrum Comms with Downer for Hunter Water Corporation
Project Objectives
Hunter Water invested $43M to replace and bury an 8-kilometre section of the ageing Chichester Trunk Gravity Main (CTGM). Hunter Water has progressively upgraded this critical main since 2009 to enhance the reliability of Lower Hunter’s water supply, as this line carries around 40% of the region’s water from Chichester.
An additional 24km of redundant pipeline between Seaham and Osterley was also removed. This work was delivered by Downer on behalf of Hunter Water.
Our Role
In close consultation with Hunter Water, Spectrum Comms was engaged to undertake the role of Community Liaison Manager for Downer. This included:
- Developing and delivering a Communications and Stakeholder Management Plan to guide engagement across the project.
- Leading engagement with key stakeholders, including 20 individual landholders on prime agricultural land.
- Updating and implementing project communications tools – including strategy documents, key messages, protocols, approval processes, and a forward outlook matrix.
- Managing all enquiries and complaints under Hunter Water’s approved procedures, ensuring timely, respectful, and proactive resolution of issues.
- Maintaining accurate records of all stakeholder engagement via Consultation Manager, supporting effective negotiations and streamlined property access.
Outcomes
- The Tarro to Duckenfield pipeline successfully commissioned in November 2019.
- Continued liaison supported the rehabilitation of productive farmland, including negotiations around fencing, land falls, and soil testing.
