Early in May 2020, the Queensland Audit Office (QAO) released it’s findings from an audit that examined whether Building Queensland effectively and efficiently led and/or assisted agencies to deliver robust business cases for major infrastructure projects. Based on its findings, the QAO has made six recommendations to improve the design and application of its frameworks, make it more transparent on how it uses its assessment criteria to identify infrastructure proposals; improve its internal infrastructure knowledge and capability; perform cost efficiency analysis of its business case development activities; assess the merits of developing both BQ’s and DSDMIP’s infrastructure plans; and review and clarify BQ’s role in preparing and assessing project business cases.

These six recommendations all point to improving transparency, building greater capability and improving oversight of the bigger picture of infrastructure investment in Queensland.

The team at Core Project Advisory has been involved in the preparation and assurance review of business cases for more than $10B worth of infrastructure investment in Queensland over the last 12 years. Through this experience we have learnt the importance of seeking frank and independent advice when preparing project business cases to increase project success. While we have seen many projects be successful, we have also seen projects stalled, reframed, and cancelled, which has more than likely caused lots of heart ache.

Core Project Advisory has a skilled team of project experts, who can provide frank and independent advice, and strengthen the assurance of project business cases. We are also experienced in training personnel in project business development and project management and planning to build capacity within organisations.

You can find the QAO audit findings and report here.