The Regional Priority Infrastructure Lists (PIL) project seeks to have a comprehensive list of regionally significant infrastructure projects from member councils of the Hunter JO. This is in response to the multiple requests from state and federal agencies asking for such lists and will support advocacy and policy initiatives of the region.
Phase 1 of the project is complete which included workshops with council and state agency officers to help refine and agree on a methodology for identifying and assessing infrastructure projects from across the region. The methodology is consistent with state and federal assessment guidance materials. It includes multiple criteria.
A rapid cost-benefit analysis template has also been prepared to help support proponent organisations to accelerate the gateway process for their regionally significant projects.
Phase 2 of the project involves the development of a tool which is underway with the creation of a google form, in consultation with councils and the state, that supports the collection of key data from councils based on the criteria in the method. The consultants have also prepared a draft excel spreadsheet and dashboard that allows for analysis and presentation of the ranking of projects based on the method and criteria established in Phase 1.
Next steps are to prepare the standard operating procedure for the tool and to go out to councils and other agencies for their data. This data will then provide the first run of priority infrastructure lists in lead-up to the NSW election in 2023.
