Learning about Project management is very interesting as many students choose to study Diploma in Project management or study other project management course view course information on this website both online and on-campus. Below Australian students are reviewing the Initiation Procedures, Information, and Activities of Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project starting with the background and an overview of the project. This project was set up by the other stakeholders.
Initiation Procedures, Information, and Activities:
The early stage of the project has faced many challenges that have been linked to controversy, funding issues and environmental concerns both on climate and the local flora and fauna. Although these challenges are present, the project is still conducting its initiation phase as per the standard process.
Part of the initiation phase is to establish clear and concise feasibility with dedicated funding options to cover the cost of the project until revenue is generated. However, it appears that funding has not been orchestrated very well during the initiation phase, delaying the project for a number of years. Australian banks were negotiating with Adaini early on in the project’s announcement. Due to controversy, environmental concerns, and public outcry, the big four banks have pulled out of funding the project. It was speculated for some time that taxpayer funds were proposed to be used to cover the costs of the project, which has not been proven. Additionally, the Northern Australian Infrastructure
Facility (NAIF) for a $1-$5 billion-dollar public loan was denied. After numerous avenues to acquire funding, it has been decided that it will be a self-funded project with state and federal government spending no longer an option. As mentioned before, the Azurian rail network upgrade is still unconfirmed whether money will be supplied from the government. Although the aspect of funding was considered for this project, it appears that relevant stakeholders did not communicate effectively to organise an extremely crucial factor of the initiation phase
Another aspect of the initiation phase is to seek approval for all state and federal legislation when planning to build a construction project. This includes relevant licences and management plans of which some are still outstanding. So far this is one of the deciding factors to whether the project will start or not. Currently, the project is undertaking the right steps to satisfy the requirements set forth by legislation, management plans and licencing. However, there are a number of environmental management plans and essential approvals that have not been granted in order to start construction. These approvals include mine camps, telecommunication towers, the airstrip and the quarry and vegetation clearing. Despite the acknowledgment of satisfying the relevant requirements of the construction process, it appears that Adani is becoming complacent and impatient with regards to their responsibilities. The initiation process for the project originally outlined and conducted early on would help the project in satisfying these remaining requirements effectively in order to save money and speed the process along.
Communication is a key factor in the initiation phase as it allows all relevant stakeholders involved in a project to be fully aware of their duties and expectations. Additionally, it keeps everyone up to date with any changes or concerns that may arise. Throughout the initiation phase, the project has conducted communication quite well by working with all stakeholders that are either a part of or who will be impacted by the project construction and operation. The stake holders involved include state and federal government, potentially affected landowners, local businesses and residents, community interest groups, industry representatives, surrounding communities, environmental and cultural heritage groups and media. As required, community meetings were conducted in four stages from 2011-2013 regarding face-to-face meetings, workshops and briefings, public information sessions, newsletters and web-based features. This is to allow the public the right to voice and concerns, ask relevant questions and express opinions that may impact them in a negative or positive way. The meetings were completed with feedback through face-to-face, written forms and via contact information on 1800 numbers, emails and reply-paid post. This part of process was prepared and orchestrated professionally and effectively.