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Summary of document

The purpose of the Communications and Community Engagement Strategy for North East Link is to describe how we are developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with the community and stakeholders through planning, design and delivery of this massive construction program.

North East Link is being built in built-up urban areas, with limited road reserve. Some works are very close to homes and businesses.

We are committed to engaging the community and stakeholders in constructive and co-operative dialogue based on mutual trust and respect.

This strategy outlines the phased approach we’re taking to engagement, outlining how we have and will involve, inform and guide the community and stakeholders through the design and delivery of North East Link.

The strategy governs our communications and community engagement activities and that of our contractors, while making sure we satisfy the communication and stakeholder specifications outlined in the program’s Environmental Performance Requirements (EPRs).

Findings and insights from qualitative and quantitative research, and lessons learned from both North East Link and other infrastructure projects have also assisted in the development and updating of this document.

It also considers the Victorian Auditor General’s Office's (VAGO) Public Participation in Government Decision-making Guidelines and the International Association of Public Participation’s (IAP2) Public Participation Spectrum.

Environmental Performance Requirements

Environmental Performance Requirement (EPR) SC3 requires North East Link to prepare and implement a Communications and Community Engagement Strategy to engage the community and potentially affected stakeholders, and communicate progress of construction activities and operation. The Strategy must be published on the project's website prior to and for the duration of construction.

Our approach to communications and engagement

North East Link is Victoria’s largest ever investment in the north east. We have been engaging with communities and stakeholders since the project was first announced in late 2016 and will continue to guide and involve stakeholders and the community until North East Link opens.

We’ve divided our communications and engagement approach into key stages as we deliver this massive program of works, taking in planning, design and progressing from early works into major tunnel construction and freeway upgrades.

All of these phases will be guided by the following principles, supporting effective, meaningful and consistent communications and engagement across all aspects and stages of North East Link.

Communication and engagement principles

• Honesty and transparency
• Clear communication
• Accessibility and visibility
• Proven approach.

Minimising community impacts during construction

To improve community outcomes and the experience of residents living close to construction, we will focus on identifying, managing and mitigating community and stakeholder issues and impacts.

Key to this approach will be ensuring we are aware of the issues that cause disruption to the local communities and residents where we are undertaking works.

We will work closely with construction teams to mitigate impacts where possible and where impacts are unavoidable, we will ensure those who are potentially affected are given plenty of notice.

Communication and Engagement Phases

• Phase 1: Planning (complete)
• Phase 2: Early works construction, sports relocation, land acquisition and tunnelling preparation (complete)
• Phase 3: Major construction of North East Link (current)
• Phase 4: Tunnelling starts and works commence on Eastern Freeway Upgrades and M80 Ring Road Completion in Greensborough (current)
• Phase 5: Completion and ongoing operation (future).