WestConnex delivery approach
21 Sep 2016
Statement from the MINISTER FOR ROADS, MARITIME AND FREIGHT regarding the WestConnex delivery approach: WestConnex is being developed and procured by the NSW Government and has oversight by two of the leading Government transport experts in Tim Reardon, Secretary of Transport for NSW, and Peter Duncan CEO of Roads and Maritime Services. The NSW Government's road agency, Roads and Maritime Services is the underlying owner of all State roads in NSW, including WestConnex when it's built. Tim Reardon is Chair of the NSW Government Client Executive Committee which is responsible for: Ensuring appropriate approvals to invest Government funding into WestConnex projects, Setting the terms of the contract to operate the motorway, Directing and monitoring safety requirements, tolling, heavy vehicle compliance, and integration with the existing road network. The Client Executive Committee comprises representation of government agencies including RMS, through Peter Duncan, Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Treasury, and TfNSW. The Commonwealth Government is also represented. The Client Executive Committee reports via ministers to the Cabinet Infrastructure and Expenditure Review Committees. This is the same procurement model used for the NorthConnex project and North West Rail Link. The Sydney Motorway Corporation (SMC) is a Government-owned company responsible for financing and delivering WestConnex under contract (concession) to the Government. It is responsible for procuring, managing and delivering the construction contracts for WestConnex projects. Sydney Motorway Corporation is governed by a majority independent board Chaired by Tony Shepherd AO, who has chaired the project for over two years. Mr Shepherd has been involved in the delivery of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Melbourne City Link and EastLink. He oversaw the privatisation of Yarra Trams and the outsourcing of the Sydney Harbour Ferries as well as having a long professional career in transport infrastructure more generally. In the past he sat on the Boards of the State Rail Authority and the State Transit Authority. The SMC Board also has independent directors with strong finance and construction backgrounds, with significant experience in financing and delivering major infrastructure projects. This is an accountable and appropriate governance structure that provides strong leadership, sound financial management, effective project management and clear Government oversight. We have the right people in the right place to ensure these vital infrastructure projects are delivered as planned for the people of NSW.
