Struan Burges: delivering infrastructure projects in WA

Having studied management and marketing at university, I started my career in a public relations role with the WA Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR), developing campaigns advocating for the value of sport and recreation in the community.

A couple of years into the role, the WA Government funded the development of three new state sporting facilities in Perth, and DSR was handed the project management responsibility. This was followed by a call for expressions of interest to join the project delivery team and I jumped at it!

The State Athletics Stadium, Bendat Basketball Centre and WA Rugby Centre projects provided a wonderful opportunity for me to combine work with my passion for sport - and cut my teeth in major infrastructure project delivery. I loved it and haven’t look back!

My role as Project Director involves a dual focus on projects and client relationships. I enjoy thinking critically about how we are presenting our services to the market, and ensuring our value proposition is clear to our clients.

I am regularly reminded of marketing lectures at university that stressed the importance of client listening, and investing in enduring client relationships. Along with my science and commercial law qualifications, I feel equipped to face the many and varied challenges of major project delivery.

I continue to stay active through hockey, swimming, tennis and chasing around my three kids! I am grateful for the opportunities I was afforded growing up around community sporting clubs and believe it’s important to continue to invest in facilities that provide a place for individuals and families to play and pursue their sporting goals.

Not only does community sport and recreation improve physical and mental health outcomes, it has also been shown to boost education and community safety. I like the idea that I’m involved in delivering facilities that bring people together, build connections and promote a healthy lifestyle.

When you boil it down, project management is about people and people management. My role is focused on leading teams of people, anticipating and understanding issues, building trust and maintaining relationships to help projects move forward.

Another aspect of my role is to set an example – to be approachable, accessible and consistent, so that if there’s a problem, team members feel empowered to raise the issue. Regardless of whether it’s face-to-face, virtual, verbal or written - effective and timely communication is vital to the success of any project.

When communication channels close or become ineffective, unexpected issues will tend to follow. The role of project managers is to help manage expectations by ensuring all of the project ingredients – risks, time, costs, resources and quality, are being tracked and communicated.

As project managers we need to ensure the project team is invested and bring them along on a journey. It’s important to listen to them and make sure they’ve got an opportunity to be heard and participate in the process.

You might not be able to change the facts, like the increased cost of materials, but you can influence the experience and ensure everyone is informed.

It’s an exciting time to be working for RPS in Perth, with the growth of our team coinciding with a relocation to new offices in Subiaco. My focus is on continuing to deliver for our key Commonwealth Government clients, including the Department of Defence, while also expanding our service offering to the WA Government sector.

We are optimistic about our continued involvement in ports, education, transport, sport and recreation, and renewables projects across metropolitan and regional Western Australia.