The pressures facing construction projects today are building.
Rising costs, supply chain disruption and contractor vulnerability are creating an environment where uncertainty is no longer occasional, it’s constant. While these conditions may feel familiar, the speed at which risk can escalate is changing.
We’ve seen this before.
During COVID, many projects faced similar pressures. We supported clients across government, private and not-for-profit sectors through the challenge of contractor distress. In some cases, helping teams identify risks early and avoid insolvency. In others, stepping in to stabilise projects and support delivery through disruption.
That experience is proving highly relevant again today.
Projects rarely move into distress without warning. In most cases, there are early indicators such as shifts in performance, cashflow pressure or delivery slippage that signal deeper issues beneath the surface.
The challenge for clients is not just identifying these signals, but knowing how to respond with confidence.
Seeing risk earlier
Understanding the true position of a project is critical.
By looking beyond surface-level reporting and assessing financial and program performance together, it becomes possible to identify emerging risks earlier. This creates the opportunity to act before issues escalate and options become limited.
How we can help
We support clients at any stage of the project lifecycle, from early warning signs through to managing projects under pressure.
Across sectors including accommodation, aviation, civic, sport & community, commercial, retail & industrial, defence & justice, education, health, mining & resources, transport, water & energy, we bring a consistent, practical approach focused on clarity and outcomes.
Our support includes:
- Independent project reviews to understand true financial and delivery position
- Early risk identification to highlight where pressure is building
- Project health checks to assess contractor performance and exposure
- Scenario testing and delivery strategies to maintain momentum
- Support through disruption or contractor distress, including defining a clear path to completion
Whether the focus is on reducing the likelihood of contractor failure or managing the impacts where it occurs, our role is to put practical mitigation measures in place to protect project outcomes.
A connected approach
Navigating uncertainty requires a joined-up view.
By bringing together advisory, Quantity Surveying and programming expertise, clients gain a clearer understanding of how commercial, contractual and delivery risks interact. This supports better decision-making and more confident project outcomes.
With teams operating across Australia, we support clients nationally, combining consistent expertise with an understanding of local delivery environments.
Staying ahead of disruption
While contractor failure cannot always be avoided, its impact can be managed.
Clients who act early are better positioned to maintain control, reduce disruption and protect project outcomes. In today’s environment, a proactive approach is essential.
Get in touch
If you’re concerned about emerging risks on your project, or want a clearer understanding of your current position, our team can help.
Reach out to Gideon Butow here to discuss how he can support your project, or connect you with the right person in our team.
Gideon Butow is an Associate Director at RP Infrastructure, within our accommodation team, including seniors living, affordable housing, student housing and hotels. He works closely with clients to navigate project risk and uncertainty, providing clear insight, practical advice and connecting them with the right expertise to move projects forward with confidence.