PROJECT MANAGEMENT – VMFRP
When: 2024 – 2027 (planning, business case development, approvals, transition to construction across central sites, operations and maintenance)
Client: Lower Murray Water, in collaboration with Victorian VMFRP delivery partners
Our role: Browns Project Solutions is appointed as a client‑side project management consultancy supporting the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project (VMFRP) as it progresses from planning and approvals towards construction. Our role includes management of the detailed design development phase, support for environmental and planning approvals, procurement input and preparation for construction delivery across key central sites.
BPS has established, implemented and effectively maintained a project management office (PMO) framework for VMFRP, including risk frameworks, governance structures, Project Control Group (PCG) processes and reporting disciplines that provide clear oversight across scope, schedule, cost and quality. The PMO provides a single, consistent framework for planning, risk management and governance across multiple VMFRP sites. This framework supports consistent decision‑making, improves visibility of delivery risks and dependencies, and helps partner organisations meet their obligations under the Murray–Darling Basin Plan.
We apply practical regional experience in water, civil and environmental infrastructure to manage risk, maintain clear communication between delivery partners and ensure scope, schedule, budget and safety remain aligned as works move towards delivery. Through this role, Browns Project Solutions is contributing to a significant, long‑term environmental infrastructure program focused on improving the resilience and health of Murray River floodplains for Traditional Owners, local communities and stakeholders.
Overview: The Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project (VMFRP) is a major environmental infrastructure program designed to improve the condition of high‑value floodplains and wetlands along the Murray River in northern Victoria. The project addresses the impacts of river regulation and development by upgrading existing assets, constructing new works and improving how environmental water is moved and managed across priority sites.
Through targeted delivery of environmental water, VMFRP aims to restore more natural watering patterns, support river red gums and floodplain vegetation, and enhance habitat for native fish, frogs, waterbirds and other fauna. The project contributes to Victoria’s commitments under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and is structured to improve environmental outcomes while maintaining water availability for productive use.
VMFRP is being delivered by a partnership including Lower Murray Water, Goulburn‑Murray Water, Mallee Catchment Management Authority, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria and the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, with funding from the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Key project outcomes:
- Improve the condition of priority Murray River floodplains and wetlands through more appropriate watering regimes.
- Address existing constraints and blockages to enable water to reach creeks, floodrunners and wetland systems.
- Support the health of river red gums, understorey vegetation and wetland plant communities during dry periods.
- Enhance habitat and breeding opportunities for native fish, frogs, waterbirds and other species.
- Deliver agreed Murray-Darling Basin Plan environmental outcomes through infrastructure and operational changes rather than further water recovery from irrigators.
- Strengthen long‑term resilience of floodplain landscapes valued by Traditional Owners, local communities and visitors.
Further information:For the most recent and accurate community information, please refer to the VMFRP project page: Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project (VMFRP)
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Browns Project Solutions acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Browns Project Solutions are also committed to advancing diversity and inclusivity throughout all aspects of our workplace, ensuring equal opportunity and respect for all.
