The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is progressing the Zero Emissions Bus Network project to guide the transition of South Australia’s public transport fleet. To support both strategic planning and future delivery, a structured Stakeholder and Engagement Plan was required to guide engagement across all project phases.
DIT engaged Capire, via a subcontract with WSP, to design an overarching Stakeholder and Engagement Plan to support the Business Case Phase and provide a scalable framework for the Delivery Phase – ensuring proactive relationship-building and alignment with Infrastructure SA’s ‘Gateway’ assurance process.
Approach
Capire developed a fit-for-purpose Stakeholder and Engagement Plan that established a clear and structured engagement framework aligned with the project’s technical analysis and governance requirements.
The Business Case Phase involved targeted engagement with utility providers, Original Equipment Manufacturers, public transport operators and relevant government agencies. This phase was designed to inform infrastructure planning, depot upgrade considerations and early risk identification. It also supported alignment with Infrastructure SA’s Gateway assurance process and strong stakeholder relationships to enable a smooth transition to delivery.
The Delivery Phase framework (if progressed) provides for engagement with local councils, landowners, businesses and communities near depot upgrade sites. This phase will ensure clear, place-based communication about local impacts – building community understanding and trust, and supporting planning approvals and timely project delivery.
Outcomes
The Stakeholder and Engagement Plan provided DIT and its contractors with a structured, engagement framework that reduces delivery risk and strengthens cross-sector coordination. Embedding stakeholder input early in the Business Case Phase, and planning for community engagement in the Delivery Phase, supports smoother approvals, inter-agency alignment, and increased public confidence in the transition to zero-emission public transport.
