Get in the Zone with Zinfra Project Manager – Matthew Fensom Zinfra’s Project Manager Matthew Fensom had one goal – how can we deliver the East Lake zone GIS substation in a tight timeframe and on budget for the client ActewAGL? This question is what drove his planning and ultimately, was the impetus behind a successful project delivery.
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F THERE EVER was a vacancy for a superhero Project Manager who had the power of 360 degree vision, Matt Fensom would be a serious contender. Matt’s commitment to future planning and his ability to focus on sticking to that plan is legendary at Zinfra. The first thing most people notice about Matt is his ability to plan and execute the big picture, without missing a beat on the smallest detail. After conducting a Natural Job Aptitude Test last year, Matt discovered that he had a rare talent. He scored off the charts in focus on time, compliance, breadth (the big picture) and future planning. “Whereas a normal percentage score for future planning is 100 percent, I came in at
203 percent! I guess that’s where I can add value to the client – I am able to consider all scenarios simultaneously,” says Matt. Matt says that for ActewAGL it was really important to get the substation energised as soon as practical so the asset was operational sooner, rather than later – and that’s what Zinfra is all about. “Critical path items were my first priority. I am brutal in the pre-planning stages because if we get that right, by the time the construction team is ready, all they have to worry about is picking up their tools and the materials to start the build, without delay and without fuss,” says Matt. This design and construct (D&C) was an Alliance contract between Zinfra and
Matthew Fensom
ActewAGL and was completed in just over 12 months. “This alliance had a real camaraderie about it. We worked together, we socialised together and everyone was proud to be a part of such a signature project. There was a real sense of ownership, of pride in the team, and I think that underpinned the success of this project,” says Matt. Successful it was indeed. Valued at over $30 million, the East Lake substation is a feat in safety standards, technological excellence, environmental planning, restoration and all round stakeholder management. Situated adjacent to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve - a species-rich urban wetland that provides refuge for Continued next page
132kV GIS Switchgear
Protection/Control Panels Australian Power & Energy News - Page 15