INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT DIVISION (Department of Infrastructure): Rosemary and Erica were engaged in 2007 & 2008 to create seven separate risk management & stakeholder engagement plans for a number of proposed transport infrastructure projects across Melbourne, of which were being put forward by DOI to Cabinet, seeking State Government funding. This involved detailed briefings and background research of local sensitivities, identification of any communication challenges and project issues, as well as mapping of stakeholders, and recommendations on tactical approaches for each project, dealing with each stage from funding announcement to project delivery.
VICTORIAN TIMBER INDUSTRY: The Victorian forest industry was facing critical challenges due to a lack of strategic focus and future planning. Compounding this was the increasing sensitivity to water industry issues and their impact on the forest sector. As stakeholder advisor for the Department of Primary Industries, Erica developed a communications and stakeholder engagement strategy to secure stakeholder support and approval. The resulting Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy involved a range of tactics including the establishment of a representative steering committee & working group, ministerial and departmental briefings, focus group research, ministerial one-on-ones with key influencers, stakeholder forums and community meetings.
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES: Erica had a varied contracting role with the Department of Primary Industries, Marketing & Communications Unit. Erica was there for more than three years, with the final 12 months undertaking the Stakeholder Advisor role. Initially contracted for a project on the contentious issue of genetically modified crops, Erica went on to undertake numerous projects including internal communications campaign for International Women’s Day and the announcement of the Victorian RIRDC Rural Women’s Awards. Erica conducted stakeholder management work for the Department, which included implementation work for the Showgrounds Redevelopment Project (in conjunction with Department of Infrastructure, Major Projects Victoria and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria); and phase 4 of the White Paper for Water, Our Water, Our Future.