O-Bahn

In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (29 November 2016).

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety): The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure has been advised:

1. The O-Bahn City Access Project team has worked closely with the Royal Hotel during the project. Some of the actions undertaken to assist the Royal Hotel throughout the works and help to reduce the effects of construction, have included:

Changed construction methodology to reduce nightshift sheet piling.

Changed equipment to further reduce the duration of works.

Changed construction sequence to reduce overall duration of construction works on Hackney Road/Dequetteville Terrace intersection.

Ongoing door knock visits to check on how their business is going and to see if there is anything that the construction team can do to assist.

Through these discussions it was identified that a 30th birthday party was booked in the upstairs function room on the night of Saturday 18 June 2016, when sheet piling night works were underway. McConnell Dowell, the major works contractor, gifted the birthday person a $750 bar tab. McConnell Dowell received a thank you and acknowledgement of the contribution from the Royal Hotel.

In June 2016, McConnell Dowell hosted a team event at the Royal Hotel to celebrate a key project milestone. The venue was chosen specifically to support the Royal Hotel.

During meetings and information provided to the community the project team has encouraged both staff and local residents to support the Royal Hotel.

2. See answer to question one. Some of the actions undertaken to assist the Hackney Hotel include:

Holding project team functions/meetings at the Hackney Hotel.

Encouraging our large local workforce to eat and gather at the Hackney Hotel for lunch and social functions.

The provision of corflute signage on Hackney Road, reminding customers it is ‘Business As Usual’. This was developed in collaboration with the Hackney Hotel.

The early removal of bunting/fencing in front of the hotel for the path/kerb upgrade works and acceleration of these works to reduce the visual impact of construction (on council land).

Offered to distribute promotional material at the same time project updates are distributed.

Provided notification of all upcoming works.

3. See above answers.