I am currently interning at the Public Transport Authority
and finding it really interesting to be working in a department whose actions
actually affect everyday people. The PTA is responsible for the public
transport infrastructure, this includes building train lines, stations, bus stops
ext.
Stakeholders
There are so many different stakeholders to consider, from
local residents opposing plans for a new train station being built near their
home, to the state premier who needs to ensure the PTA deliver on his election
promises.
PTA projects can have significant effects on various
communities and individuals. When making decisions about projects the PTA must
consult with various other government departments, shires, agencies and of
course the public. It is important that the public are consulted, because the
projects are being funded by tax payers contributions.
Keeping it under wraps
From a communications point of view including so many people
can be problematic in preventing information from being leaked to the general
public. The more people that know a secret, the harder it is to keep.
Last week the PTA had a case where information about the new
underground Perth Busport’s second entry had been leaked to the media. At that
point in time the PTA had not yet informed the public of the decision to
include a second entry in the busport.
Fly through animation of the new underground Perth Busport.
For more information on the Perth Busport second entry click here.
The art of being prepared
Information leakages are difficult to manage because so many other
departments and agencies have to have access to the information. I was very
impressed with how my supervisor, the Communication Project Manager handled the
situation. She had all the documentation already written and ready to be sent
out. Had she not been prepared she would have had to work all
night writing and finalising fact sheets, media releases and speech notes.
It just goes to show how much being organised pays off.
Whitney
