Victoria’s strong pipeline of infrastructure projects is set to benefit from critical oversight with a new office in Australia to be led by respected infrastructure expert, Ken Mathers.

Fulfilling an election commitment, the Andrews Labor Government has established the Office of Projects Victoria (OPV) to oversee how major infrastructure projects are developed, contracted for and implemented.

Mr Mathers – recently honoured by Australia’s infrastructure sector for more than 50 years of public service –  will chair OPV, and be joined by the Victorian chief engineer, and a small, highly-qualified team experienced in engineering, quantity surveying and construction.

The OPV will build capability and skills in project development and delivery and complement the work of Infrastructure Victoria and the Department of Treasury and Finance.

OPV will provide advice on cost, scope and technical matters for asset investment decisions and project delivery arrangements.

Importantly, the OPV will monitor all major projects and advise on potential interventions.

The OPV has been established within the Department of Treasury and Finance and will have an advisory board that will be finalized in the near future.

Treasurer Tim Pallas said:

”We’re not wasting a day in building the infrastructure that this state needs, and the OPV will help ensure that we get it right, using the best minds available to us. Ken Mathers has a long history of contributing to major infrastructure projects, leading the way in the evolution of public private partnerships and progressive procurement models.”