Project Overview

TAG Advisory was engaged by Main Roads Western Australia to provide commercial support during the peak period of project workload for this vital Perth infrastructure upgrade. Additionally, a separate engagement focused on reviewing and managing procurement of critical Watermain Relocation Works, which had emerged as a significant risk to project delivery. The project involved complex coordination of civil works, utilities and active transport infrastructure whilst maintaining traffic flow on one of Perth's busiest transport corridors.

Key Challenges

The project faced critical challenges when Watermain Relocation Works, supposed to be completed by others prior to the Alliance taking site possession, remained incomplete and threatened the critical path. The incumbent Water Corporation approved contractor was failing to meet programme requirements, creating cascading delays and commercial exposure for the Alliance.

Managing commercial aspects during peak construction required sophisticated contract administration, cost control and claims management across multiple work fronts. The Alliance structure demanded careful balance between collaborative delivery and commercial rigour, particularly when preparing Direct Cost Target (DCT) adjustments for Board approval.

Methodology and Approach

TAG Advisory implemented a two-pronged approach addressing both immediate procurement challenges and broader commercial management requirements. For the Watermain Relocation Works, comprehensive review identified fundamental delivery issues with the incumbent contractor. Following TAG Advisory's recommendation, the Alliance terminated the existing contractor and procured a replacement, implementing robust procurement processes to ensure capability and programme compliance.

Commercial support services during peak delivery included:

• Claims assessment and resolution
• Cost verification and reporting
• Direct Cost Target adjustment preparation
• Procurement strategy and implementation
• Risk quantification and mitigation
• Value engineering initiatives
• Variation management and documentation

The team prepared a comprehensive DCT adjustment submission incorporating scope changes, risk materialisation and market conditions, securing Board approval for budget realignment.

Outcomes and Value

TAG Advisory's intervention delivered exceptional value through both strategic procurement decisions and commercial management excellence. The recommendation to terminate and replace the watermain contractor, though challenging, proved transformational. The new contractor successfully delivered the works, eliminating critical path delays and achieving savings exceeding $3 million against original projections.

The DCT adjustment secured Board approval, providing the Alliance with appropriate commercial framework to complete the project successfully. Improved procurement processes and commercial controls enhanced project governance and stakeholder confidence. Resolution of complex claims and variations minimised commercial disputes and maintained collaborative relationships.

Conclusion

The Boorloo Bridge engagement demonstrated TAG Advisory's ability to deliver high-impact commercial solutions under pressure. By combining strategic procurement expertise with robust commercial management, TAG Advisory helped transform a project facing critical delays into a successful delivery, achieving substantial savings whilst maintaining quality and programme outcomes. This engagement reinforces TAG Advisory's reputation for decisive, value-adding commercial leadership in complex infrastructure projects.