Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel Project

The Melbourne Metro Rail Authority (MMRA) is responsible for the delivery of the Melbourne Metro Rail Project - a twin 9km rail tunnel under the heart of Melbourne. This $9-11 billion infrastructure project will unlock rail congestion in the City Loop and deliver a transformation to the capacity, reliability and frequency of train services across metropolitan Melbourne to cater for Victoria's growing population. Melbourne Metro will run between South Kensington and South Yarra, including five new underground stations at Arden, Parkville, CBD North, CBD South and Domain. It is a project that is crucial to maintaining Melbourne's hard-won reputation as one of the world's most liveable cities, and will involve close consultation with a range of stakeholders as planning work gathers pace. Construction works are due to begin in 2018.

James has more than 30 years’ experience in media, strategic communications and stakeholder relations across the private and public sectors.

He started his career as a newspaper journalist, working in Australia and London, before becoming a media and policy adviser for the Victorian Government in the early 1990s. James then moved into a number of roles in issues-rich and complex environments, including at Victoria Police, the EastLink Project, and most recently the AFL, where he led corporate communications.

As Director, Communications and Stakeholder Relations for the Metro Tunnel Project, James oversees stakeholder and community engagement for this massive public transport infrastructure project. He is also responsible for media relations and raising public awareness about both the disruptions that will accompany construction and the long term transport, social and economic benefits that will ultimately be delivered.