How to Find a Decommissioning Consultant in Australia

Searching for a decommissioning consultant in Australia returns a wide range of results — large engineering firms, environmental consultancies, demolition contractors and generalist project managers. Understanding what each actually provides, and what you need, is the starting point for a good engagement.

The difference between advisory, engineering and contracting

Independent advisory means the consultant works exclusively for the asset owner. They have no commercial interest in the demolition contract, no relationship with the remediation contractor and no engineering certification role. Their job is to represent the owner's interests — developing scope, managing procurement, providing delivery oversight and ensuring the project reaches a defined end state.

Engineering consultancy typically covers design, approvals, environmental assessment and certification. Large engineering firms (GHD, AECOM, Jacobs, Worley) provide these services at scale. They are not typically structured to provide the owner-side commercial and delivery advisory that a complex decommissioning project requires.

Demolition and remediation contractors perform the physical work. Engaging a contractor to also advise on scope and procurement creates a conflict of interest. The contractor's commercial interest is in maximising the value of the work they perform — not in minimising the owner's cost exposure.

What to look for in a decommissioning adviser

When evaluating a decommissioning consultant for an Australian industrial asset, consider:

Relevant project experience. Has the adviser managed decommissioning projects of comparable scale and complexity? Experience with refineries, chemical plants, manufacturing facilities, defence assets or mining infrastructure is materially different from general construction project management.

Independence. Does the adviser have any commercial relationship with contractors, equipment suppliers or remediation firms that could influence their recommendations? True independence means the adviser's only obligation is to the owner.

Scope development capability. Can the adviser develop a decommissioning scope to a standard that supports competitive procurement? This requires understanding hazardous materials, structural sequencing, regulatory obligations, underground services and end-state requirements — not just project management methodology.

Australian regulatory knowledge. Decommissioning in Australia involves state-based environmental approvals, WHS obligations, asbestos licensing requirements and, in some cases, heritage and native title considerations. An adviser with Australian project experience understands these obligations and how they affect programme and cost.

Commercial and procurement expertise. The adviser should be able to develop a procurement strategy, prepare tender documentation, manage market engagement and evaluate bids on the owner's behalf. This is a distinct capability from engineering design or project delivery.

Questions to ask a prospective adviser

Before engaging a decommissioning consultant, ask:

• What decommissioning projects have you led as the owner's representative?
• Do you have any commercial relationships with demolition or remediation contractors?
• How do you approach scope development for a complex industrial asset?
• What procurement models have you used, and how do you select between them?
• Can you provide references from asset owners — not contractors — on comparable projects?

Professional Projects Group

Professional Projects Group is an independent project advisory consultancy providing decommissioning planning, demolition advisory, procurement strategy and owner-side delivery oversight for complex industrial assets across Australia.

Our work is exclusively for asset owners. We have no commercial relationships with contractors, no engineering certification role and no interest in the delivery contracts we help procure. That independence is the basis of the advice we provide.

Professional Projects Group provides independent decommissioning advisory for asset owners across Australia. We work exclusively for asset owners — with no commercial relationships with contractors, no engineering certification role and no interest in the delivery contracts we help procure. Our services cover end-state definition, scope development, cost estimation, procurement strategy, tender documentation and owner-side delivery oversight for refineries, mines, power stations, chemical plants, steelworks, Defence facilities and major industrial assets.

If you are considering a decommissioning project and want to understand what independent advisory looks like in practice, contact us to have a direct conversation about your asset.