By Darian Macey, May 26 2025
The Defence Estate infrastructure landscape is evolving rapidly. Projects are becoming more complex, stakeholder expectations are rising, and the need for predictability and efficiency has never been greater.
Recognising these challenges, DECNet proposes the Defence Infrastructure Project Risk and Contingency (DIPRAC) framework—a comprehensive, tailored model designed to potentially enhance how we manage risk and contingency planning on Defence Estate projects.
What Could DIPRAC Offer?
DIPRAC is proposed as a structured yet adaptable risk management framework tailored specifically to the unique challenges of Australia’s Defence Estate projects. It aims to provide detailed guidance on identifying, categorising, and mitigating project risks, offering practical tools and methodologies for quantifying and benchmarking risk and contingency. Its potential benefits include enhancing project predictability, reducing cost overruns, minimising delays, and ultimately improving outcomes across Defence infrastructure projects.
The DIPRAC framework proposes categorising risks into eight specific areas:
- Coordination Risk
- Environmental and Heritage Risk
- Location Risk
- Stakeholder Risk
- Information Risk
- Technical Risk
- Delivery Risk
- Contractual Risk
Each category is intended to be comprehensively addressed, enabling project teams to identify and strategically manage risks proactively.
Why Consider DIPRAC Now?
Traditionally, Defence infrastructure projects have faced risk management challenges due to rigid, generic frameworks and excessive risk transfer to contractors, often leading to inflated project costs and strained relationships.
The DIPRAC framework seeks to address these limitations by promoting collaborative risk allocation, enhancing transparency, and embedding adaptive practices within the project lifecycle. Through systematic benchmarking against historical data and industry standards, DIPRAC has the potential to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of contingency planning.
Introducing the DIPRAC White Paper
To explore this potential framework in detail, DECNet has prepared a comprehensive white paper entitled “Risk and Contingency: A Framework for Managing Project Risk on Australia’s Defence Estate”. This document outlines DIPRAC’s proposed methodology, details key elements, and provides illustrative examples through case studies from recent Defence Estate projects.
The white paper also suggests recommendations for potentially integrating DIPRAC into existing Defence policies, contracts, and industry practices, as well as pathways for training and capability development.
We Need Your Feedback
The effectiveness of DIPRAC will depend on collaboration and input from the Defence Estate Community. Your professional experiences and insights are essential in refining this proposed framework.
We encourage you to review the white paper and provide your feedback, experiences, and suggestions. Your input will help determine if DIPRAC is robust, practical, and genuinely reflective of the realities faced in Defence infrastructure projects.
How to Submit Your Feedback
You can download the white paper directly from our website and submit your feedback through our dedicated feedback portal or by emailing us at support@decnet.com.au.
Your contributions will directly shape the future of project delivery practices across the Defence Estate, making your involvement invaluable.
Let’s Explore the Future Together
By considering DIPRAC, we have an opportunity to collectively enhance the efficiency and reliability of Defence infrastructure delivery across Australia. We look forward to your valuable insights and active participation as we explore this potential improvement to Defence Estate risk management practices.
Together, let’s discuss setting a new standard for excellence in Defence project delivery.
Author: Darian Macey
Darian is a former Engineering Officer with the RAE with tertiary qualifications in Engineering and Project Management. He is a leading practitioner within Australia's NSI sector with previous employment in Government, project management and building contractor organisations.
