Building megaprojects in Southeast Queensland: An analysis from the planning, property, and project management perspective

There is an ongoing urban transformation of cities worldwide with the development of megaprojects. With a long development period, these megaprojects must deal with the risks of cost overruns, community opposition and long-term delays in project delivery. Southeast Queensland is seeing a rapid growth of mega building and infrastructure projects, such as Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro, Brisbane Live, and Gold Coast Light Rail. With the proposed Brisbane Olympics 2032, there will be further development of stadiums, hotels, and infrastructure projects in the next decade. City planners, property developers, project managers, and corporate property asset advisors must work together to develop these megaprojects to ensure optimal performance, sustainability, and value creation.

The major aim of this proposed research is to develop a framework for analysing megaprojects in Southeast Queensland and applying it to a case study project in Brisbane CBD. Currently, no systematic research is being undertaken into the planning, building, and management of these megaprojects in Southeast Queensland. The following research questions (RQ) will be used as a basis for developing the framework.

1. What are the roles of governments, developers, and communities in planning and assessment of megaprojects?
2. How do property developers conduct feasibility and risk management processes for megaprojects?
3. How do project managers employ systems thinking in managing megaprojects to improve project performance?
4. How do corporate real estate asset managers/advisors (CREAM) target ESG goals to maximise the long-term value creation of complex megaprojects?