Summary

Olivine is a 460-hectare master planned community in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor, 35 km from the CBD. Strategically located near the Hume Freeway and Melbourne-Sydney Railway, Olivine will accommodate 10,000-12,000 residents and feature significant infrastructure, including schools, parks, and wetlands.

As part of their vision, Mirvac prioritised early community infrastructure, including active open spaces, schools, and parks. This investment demonstrated a commitment to creating a liveable community early in the project lifecycle.

The site presented complex conditions, requiring thoughtful planning to meet both the client’s vision and regulatory requirements. Challenges included:

• Managing drainage and flood risks in a region with varied topography and sensitive waterways, such as Merri Creek.
• Aligning infrastructure delivery with the staged progression of development while key outfall systems and arterial road connections remained incomplete.
• Progress was constrained by the need to coordinate with neighbouring landowners and resolve land access agreements to expedite permanent drainage systems and road infrastructure.

These conditions demanded innovative approaches to ensure development could progress efficiently and effectively.

Solution

SMEC deployed a multidisciplinary team to deliver civil engineering, surveying, geotechnical engineering, and project management. SMEC navigated complex infrastructure challenges to ensure essential services were delivered in a sustainable, cost effective and timely way.

Coordination of Infrastructure Contribution Plan

Primary and secondary arterial roads span over 6km, supported by seven signalised intersections and pedestrian crossings to enhance safety and connectivity. To resolve access issues with neighbouring properties, SMEC developed options to ensure ICP works could proceed without delay to the program. SMEC also undertook cost reviews and expert witness reports to help manage stakeholder expectations and ensure compliance with planning and regulatory requirements.

Water management and drainage

Coordinating with neighbouring landowners, added complexity to infrastructure staging. However, SMEC was able to align mutual needs for road and drainage infrastructure and facilitate progress.

Working closely with Melbourne Water and other authorities, SMEC secured approval to construct permanent drainage schemes pipes outside the estate boundary, aligning them within a future road median. This approach eliminated the need for temporary piping, reducing upfront costs whilst satisfying conditions for reimbursement under the drainage scheme.

The external water main along Donnybrook Road added complexity due to creek and railway crossings. Key challenges included boring under the Merri creek without disturbing it and adhering to railway authority regulations for safe operations during train schedules. Vibrations from boring operations were carefully managed to avoid risks to operating trains.

Temporary drainage solutions, including retarding basins, were implemented to manage stormwater runoff while permanent infrastructure was being negotiated and built. This work included adjustment of strategies to accommodate larger areas of development than initially anticipated to overcome timing delays and enable development to continue.

SMEC also developed sewer eduction strategies to enable development to progress until permanent outfalls were in place. While not adopted SMEC investigated alternatives to eduction that included temporary pumping. These outcomes enabled Mirvac to get approval from Yarra Valley Water to proceed with the release of additional stages.

SMEC provided Mirvac with estimates of construction costs for various options to determine ROI of temporary works verses availability of lots. As catchments were adjusted, SMEC was proactive in optimising the length and depth of drainage and sediment pond designs. This streamlined construction and unlocked additional developable land within the estate.

Earthworks

Bulk earthworks for Active Open Space areas were designed to minimise environmental impacts. Advanced modelling tools streamlined design processes, enhanced cost efficiency, and ensured seamless integration with the natural landscape.

Sustainability

SMEC managed a number of key sustainability strategies for the project including:

• Supporting the use of Reconophalt, a recycled asphalt product, in road construction. The team worked with local councils to secure approval, showcasing leadership in sustainable practices.
• Supporting Mirvac’s decision to eliminate gas reticulation in medium-density stages, aligning with sustainability goals and future-proofing the development against government mandates for gas-free infrastructure.
• An on-site rock crusher was established to repurpose crushed material for construction, significantly reducing both the environmental impact and the costs associated with material transportation.

Impact

Olivine is a connected walkable community, ensuring residents will have access to amenities from the day they move in.  Early delivery of facilities such as Hume Anglican Grammar School, local parks, and a community hub ensures immediate benefits for residents. Energy-efficient homes, a future town centre and transport links, have all been strategically planned to elevate the lifestyle.

This project demonstrates how advanced engineering, strategic planning, and stakeholder collaboration can overcome challenges to deliver a resilient, sustainable, and vibrant community. SMEC has added value in several ways:

• Development of interim solutions, such as temporary retarding basins and pump stations
• Managing key authorities and stakeholders such as securing railway and authority approvals.
• Innovations in grading that reduced construction costs and timelines.
• Preparation of comprehensive designs, authority compliant plans, 3D models, survey data, and regulatory reports to facilitate efficient construction and approvals.
• Early delivery of key amenities, supporting immediate benefits for the growing community.