Curry Project Management played a pivotal role in managing the flood restoration works following the November 2022 floods in Southern NSW through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) initiative. This program, jointly funded by the Australian and State governments, was designed to restore essential public assets affected by natural disasters. CPM’s responsibilities encompassed all phases of the restoration process, from disaster impact assessments to project delivery, ensuring compliance with DRFA standards and guiding councils through the submission and approval processes.

Key areas of responsibility included:

• Disaster Impact Assessment: Assisting councils in evaluating and documenting the damage to essential public assets using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, and on-site inspections.
• Emergency and Reconstruction Works: Managing both temporary emergency repairs and permanent reconstruction efforts to restore essential public infrastructure.
• Funding Compliance and Submissions: Ensuring all documentation for DRFA submissions, including damage evidence and restoration reports, met the necessary requirements for reimbursement.

Specific Responsibilities Under the Contract
The project management team was responsible for:

• Asset Damage Assessment: Leading detailed assessments of damaged public assets using GIS, satellite imagery, and on-site inspections. This data was used to prepare submissions for DRFA activation and subsequent reconstruction plans.
• Emergency and Permanent Works: Managing immediate emergency works to provide temporary repairs and access to essential public assets. This included overseeing permanent reconstruction works to restore assets to their pre-disaster condition, ensuring compliance with DRFA standards for both temporary and permanent restorations.
• Data Collection and Documentation: Compiling detailed and accurate documentation, including georeferenced photos, engineering reports, and asset data. This comprehensive approach ensured that all pre- and post-disaster conditions were well-documented to support DRFA submissions.

Procurement, Delivery & Site Management

CPM managed procurement by prioritising local suppliers for timely, cost-effective delivery and overseeing tender documentation with comprehensive specifications and safety protocols. Site management included quality control through site visits, safety audits, and environmental management. Detailed progress reports ensured DRFA compliance.

Submissions and Compliance
CPM guided councils through the complex DRFA submission process by:

• Submission Preparation: Ensuring that all submissions were properly lodged using the appropriate forms and supported by comprehensive documentation, including asset details, GPS coordinates, and georeferenced photographic evidence.
• Progress Reporting: Preparing mandatory monthly progress reports to keep the administering agency updated on project timelines, expenditure, and completion percentages.
• Final Acquittal Reports: Once restoration works were completed, CPM ensured the timely submission of final acquittal reports, detailing all costs, asset-level data, and evidence of completed works.

Contractor Coordination
CPM worked closely with contractors to:

• Complete Emergency Works: Ensured that emergency works were completed within the designated three-month window, restoring temporary access to critical infrastructure.
• Permanent Reconstruction Works: Managed the contractors responsible for restoring assets to their original condition, adhering strictly to DRFA guidelines and timelines.
• Resource Optimisation: Coordinated with local contractors and suppliers to optimise the use of resources like gravel, water, and equipment, ensuring that all works were completed efficiently and ahead of the wet season to maximise resilience.

As-Built Construction Data
Throughout the flood restoration process, CPM ensured the collection of high-quality as-built records, including:

• Accurate Damage Documentation: Detailed records of the exact nature of the damage and the corresponding repair works were compiled using GIS data, photographic evidence, and engineering reports.
• Submissions to Administering Agencies: These detailed records were submitted to the administering agencies (Queensland Reconstruction Authority or Public Works/Transport for NSW) for review and approval, ensuring that all works complied with DRFA standards.

Curry Project Management’s thorough oversight of the flood restoration works following the November 2022 floods in Southern NSW ensured that essential public assets were restored in a timely and compliant manner. By managing every aspect of the DRFA process—from damage assessment to project delivery—CPM maximised the councils’ reimbursement potential and enhanced the resilience of their infrastructure ahead of future disasters.