Victorian Auditor-General's Office

4 Establishing the project contract

At a glance

Background

Following a competitive tender process to select a contractor to finance, design, construct, and then operate and maintain the East West Link, the contract for Stage 1 of the project was signed with East West Connect (EWC) on 29 September 2014. The state provided a side letter confirming its commitment to honour the contract on the same day in recognition of the unique circumstances around the government's decision on whether or not to sign the contract.

3 Planning the project

At a glance

Background

The East West Link (EWL) project was one of the most significant investments ever proposed for the state in terms of impact, complexity and cost. In October 2011 the government approved funding for the development of a business case for the project. In April 2013, the government approved the eastern section of EWL to proceed as Stage 1 of the project, based on the March 2013 business case.

2 Project costs

At a glance

Background

The East West Link (EWL) project was one of the largest transport infrastructure projects ever proposed in Australia. It was to be delivered in two stages. Prior to the November 2014 state election, work had commenced on Stage 1, the eastern section, with limited progress on Stage 2, the western section. Following the November 2014 state election, after significant costs had been incurred, the new government terminated the project.

1 Background

1.1 Introduction

The East West Link (EWL) project was one of the largest transport infrastructure projects ever proposed in Australia. The full project included an 18 kilometre cross city road connecting the Eastern Freeway at Hoddle Street to CityLink, the Port of Melbourne precinct and the Western Ring Road at Sunshine West. Figure 1A shows the planned EWL.

Figure 1A

Planned East West Link

East West Link Project

Body
This audit examined whether the state effectively managed the East West Link project and the related costs by assessing the total costs of the project, the appropriateness of the advice supporting key project decisions and the lessons for future major projects.

Appendix C. Audit Act 1994 section 16—submissions and comments

Introduction

In accordance with section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, a copy of this report, or part of this report, was provided to all agencies and departments—see Appendix A for the list.

The submissions and comments provided are not subject to audit nor the evidentiary standards required to reach an audit conclusion. Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the agency head.

Responses were received as follows:

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