Conference Agenda

Speed Networking
This speed networking session will allow delegates to introduce themselves and swap business cards with those they are seated with and other conference attendees.

Sydney Metro West – Western Tunnelling Package

• The Sydney Metro West – Western Tunnelling valued at A$2.7 billion.
• This contract involves the design and construction of five new metro stations along the Sydney Metro West alignment, including Westmead, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, and The Bays.
• The project is expected to commence in January 2026, with major construction works slated for late 2026 or early 2027 and is targeted for completion in May 2031.

Simon Hussey, Project Director, Gamuda

Fireside Chat: Delivering NSW’s Next Decade of Major Projects

• Can NSW Actually Deliver Its $100B+ Pipeline?
• NSW is entering a critical decade of infrastructure delivery, with a diverse pipeline of Transport, Energy, Health, Housing and precinct projects reshaping the state.
• The Fireside Chat will explore how government and industry can successfully plan, procure and deliver NSW’s next generation of Major Projects amid cost pressures, workforce constraints, sustainability targets and evolving community expectations.

Adam Leto, Chief Executive Officer, Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue
Amanda Stanaway, Director, Woods Bagot
Dr. Nicholas Fearnley, Head of Global Construction, Oxford Economics
Margy Osmond, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF)
Sam Mendoza, National Infrastructure Lead, WT Partnership

NEXTDC S4 Data Centre Project in Western Sydney

• The S4 Sydney data centre project by NEXTDC is a significant investment in Western Sydney's infrastructure, with a total cost of $1.2 billion.
• This project is designed to support AI compute platforms, cloud services, and data storage, and is expected to employ around 1800 workers onsite at peak construction.
• The facility is also declared a State Significant Development and is set to be completed in mid-2027.
• The project includes a high-voltage switch room and a 330kV electrical substation, and utilizes extensive modular construction methods, including prefabricated mechanical plantrooms, lift cores, columns, OSD tanks, and façade elements.
• Sustainability features such as passive design, rooftop solar, smart LED lighting, low-GWP refrigerants, low-carbon materials, and EV charging infrastructure are also incorporated into the design.

Simon Cooper, Group Chief Development Officer, NEXT DC

Construction Trends in 2026 and Beyond

This presentation outlines the key construction trends shaping the coming year, highlighting the shift towards connected, data-driven project delivery. It covers the growing impact of digital transformation, AI and automation, industrialised construction, and smart job sites, along with the increasing importance of operational excellence and predictability. The session also explores what these changes mean for organisations, including where to focus investment and how to stay competitive in an evolving industry.

Mike Kain, Lead Technical Consultant, ACC, ARKANCE ANZ

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 update

• Insights into the delivery of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, including engineering challenges, interface management and integration with the wider transport network

Councillor Sameer Pandey, Councillor Parramatta Ward, City of Parramatta Council

Upper South Creek Advanced Water Recycling Centre (AWRC)

• AWRC $1.2 billion project is the Largest Infrastructure Investment in Western Sydney will provide the foundation for a circular Economy Hub in Parkland City
• The AWRC will produce large volumes of high-quality water suitable for a wide range of non-drinking uses in homes and businesses, for various industrial and agricultural uses, and for watering public open spaces

Darren Wharton, Program Director, Sydney Water

Building at Scale: Lessons from Global Contractors Delivering Australia’s Toughest Infrastructure

• As Australia accelerates the delivery of complex transport, energy, and urban infrastructure, global contractors are playing a critical role in bringing international expertise, innovation, and delivery discipline to some of the country’s most challenging projects
• This session will share insights on delivering mega-projects on a scale in high-risk, highly regulated environments
• From managing cost pressures and supply chain constraints to integrating digital construction methods and collaborative contracting models, this discussion will explore the practical lessons learned from delivering Australia’s most complex infrastructure

Joe Mushoul, Construction Director, WeBuild

Panel Discussion: Procurement for Major Projects

• Procurement remains one of the most critical—and most challenged—phases of major project delivery. In NSW, increasing complexity, rising bid costs, and constrained market capacity are putting traditional procurement approaches under strain.
• This session dives into the realities of procurement on major projects, examining where processes break down and the consequences when commercial models fail to reflect market conditions. Through real project insights, it will explore common pitfalls in governance, probity, and risk allocation and why these issues continue to persist.
• Crucially, the session will also explore how procurement is evolving in response, including the growing role of AI and digital tools in transforming how projects are brought to market. From smarter bid evaluation and data- driven decision-making to improving transparency, risk modelling, and market engagement, how can AI help create more efficient, fair, and outcome-focused procurement processes?

Amireh Amirmazaheri, Chief Executive Officer, PMO Solutions
Craig McMahon, Business Development Director, ANSARADA
Kristin Moss, Head of Policy, Australian Constructors Association
Latoya Griffin, Associate Director, INVESTRUCTURE

Snowy 2.0 – $12 Billion Project

• Snowy 2.0 is a major expansion of the iconic Snowy Scheme that will act like Australia’s biggest battery to underpin reliable, lowest-cost power across the grid.
• Snowy 2.0 will work by storing renewable energy on a massive scale, the equivalent of around 26 million home batteries.
• Built to operate for 150 years, Snowy 2.0 will be a national asset owned by every Australian to help secure our energy sovereignty and ensure homes and businesses have reliable energy for generations to come.

Dave Evans, Chief Delivery Officer - Snowy 2.0, Snowy Hydro

ACEN Australia's NSW Projects

• The Valley of the Winds Wind Farm Project is estimated to cost approximately $1.68 billion
• The project includes the construction of 131 wind turbines and is part of ACEN Australia's broader renewable energy portfolio
• The project is expected to generate enough clean energy to power around 519,000 homes annually and is located near Coolah in the Warrumbungle Shire, approximately 94km northeast of Dubbo

Tim Greenaway, Head of Construction and Engineering, ACEN Australia

Digital Workflows for More Connected Major Projects with Bluebeam and GoCanvas

Monique Vith, Technical Consultant – Bluebeam & GoCanvas, ARKANCE ANZ

From Industrial Edge to Urban Destination: Reimagining Waterfront Precincts

• Once defined by heavy industry and logistics, waterfront precincts are being transformed into some of the most valuable, complex and high-profile urban regeneration opportunities in New South Wales.
• From navigating contaminated land and legacy infrastructure to unlocking planning pathways and attracting private capital, the session will unpack what it takes to turn underutilised waterfronts into thriving precincts.

Shirin Adorbehi, Associate Director, COX Architecture

Shore Power Project 

• Port Authority of New South Wales is delivering Australia’s first shore‑powered cruise terminal at White Bay in Sydney an Australian first and the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
• The Shore Power project will enable visiting cruise ships to connect to landside electricity while at berth, allowing engines to be switched off and significantly reducing emissions, noise and local air impacts.
• The project involves major electrical and civil infrastructure, including a new high‑voltage power supply and advanced shore connection systems, and is being delivered in close coordination with cruise operators, utilities and the local community. Shore Power at White Bay represents a nationally significant piece of port infrastructure that demonstrates how complex, live operating ports can transition to cleaner energy while supporting economic activity.

Catherine Blaine, Acting Group Executive Assets, Infrastructure and Development and Chief Risk Officer, Port Authority of New South Wales

Building Net Zero Cities: How NSW Infrastructure Can Lead the 2030 Carbon Transition

• As NSW accelerates toward its 2030 emissions targets, infrastructure delivery is becoming central to the transition to net zero cities.
• From low carbon construction materials and electrified transport networks to precinct wide sustainability strategies and climate resilient urban design, major projects are reshaping how cities are planned, built and operated.
• This session explores how government, developers, contractors and infrastructure leaders can embed decarbonisation into every stage of project delivery while balancing cost, productivity and long-term economic growth.
• Hear how NSW’s major projects can become global benchmarks for sustainable urban transformation and deliver greener, smarter and more resilient cities for the future.

Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, Green Building Council of Australia

Building Local Capability: Connecting NSW Suppliers to Major Projects

• New South Wales major projects pipeline presents significant opportunities for local industry participation and regional economic growth
• This session explores initiatives designed to strengthen local capability, foster collaboration, and ensure NSW suppliers are well-positioned to compete for contracts across key infrastructure, energy, and resources projects

Ian Hudson, Executive Director, ICN NSW

Speed Networking
This speed networking session will allow delegates to introduce themselves and swap business cards with those they are seated with and other conference attendees.

NSW’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap (20-year vision)

• As Australia continues to increase its ambitions for climate action and emissions reduction, transformation of the national electricity grid will underpin progress towards net zero.
• The nation’s main energy grid requires an acceleration of transmission line infrastructure, six-fold increase in utility storage, quadrupling wind capacity and tripling utility solar capacity – among other gains.
• So what is the best way to harness the capital needed, how do we construct the best policy settings to encourage investment and what’s being done to build the social licence needed to sustain the roll out of renewable energy infrastructure?
• Matt Kean will provide insights on the analysis that the Climate Change Authority is offering to advance Australia’s progress towards a clean energy future and decarbonised grid.

Matt Kean, Chair Climate, Change Authority (CCA)

Richmond Valley Solar & BESS Project

• Richmond Valley Solar & BESS is a solar and battery project due to be built in the northern river’s region of NSW.
• It involves a solar farm with a generation capacity of up to 500 MW (435 MWac) and a long-duration Lithium-iron phosphate battery energy storage system (BESS) with a power capacity of up to 475 MW.
• It is due to be built in stages, with construction of the first stage consisting of a 200 MWac solar farm and 275 MW / 2,200 MWh BESS to commence in 2026.

Daniel Gilbert, Project Director, Ark Energy

T2–T3 $6 billion Terminal Link Project at Sydney Airport

• The $6 billion T2–T3 Terminal Link Project at Sydney Airport represents a transformative investment in the future of aviation infrastructure, designed to seamlessly connect the domestic terminals and significantly enhance passenger experience, capacity, and operational efficiency.
• As demand for air travel continues to surge, this major project will play a critical role in streamlining transfers, reducing congestion, and supporting long-term growth across the airport precinct.
• This session will explore the planning, design, and delivery challenges of integrating new transport connections within a live airport environment, while maintaining uninterrupted operations.
• It will also examine the broader implications for connectivity across Sydney, including links to future transport networks, sustainability considerations, and the role of private investment in delivering complex, city-shaping infrastructure.

Paul Willis, Group Executive, Planning and Delivery, Sydney Airport

Sydney Olympic Park Masterplan Expansion

• 15,000 homes, including affordable housing that will always stay affordable, with 15-20% targeted on government owned land that is not currently subject to a long-term lease and 5% included in all other residential developments
• A walkable, people first community supported by Sydney Metro West and upgraded pedestrian and cycling links
• Homes within easy reach of schools, parks, open space, worldclass sport and entertainment venues and everyday services.

Thomas Watt, Director, Urban Renewal and Environment, Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA)

• The project is Australia’s first international, greenfield airport in over 50 years.
• The airport will help Sydney to meet this demand and provide a source of jobs and economic growth for the region.
• Explore progress on construction, passenger experience innovation, airport-city integration and how the airport is reshaping Western Sydney’s economy, connectivity and global competitiveness.

Jeff McAlister, Executive Director, Investment Partnerships, Bradfield Development Authority

Port of Newcastle: From legacy to launchpad

Port of Newcastle is a transformative industrial hub for NSW and Australia. Discover how the Port is uniquely positioned to enable industrial growth at scale through its connectivity to deepwater, land, rail, road, city access and global markets. Gain valuable insights into renewable-energy logistics and clean energy, to new investment and partnership opportunities.

Geraldine Bourgarel, Chief Planning, Strategy & Commercial Officer, Port of Newcastle

Panel Discussion: Housing Affordability & Housing Delivery at Scale in NSW

• NSW is genuinely leading reform and delivery
• Strong policy, delivery and the private sector crossover
• The panel will delve into speed vs affordability vs quality, planning reform and approvals acceleration, infrastructure-led housing and precinct delivery and what’s actually blocking scale right now

Annabel Koeck, Principal, Hassell
John Engeler, Chief Executive Officer, Shelter NSW
Dr Peter Tulip, Chief Economist, Centre for Independent Studies
Stuart Ayres, Chief Executive Officer, UDIA Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW

The AI Operating System for Major Construction Projects

• This session will cover how a new layer of AI (sitting above existing tools like Procore, Aconex, and MS Project) is changing how project teams make decisions, manage risk, and deliver at scale.

Christian Pallaria, Founder, WisyPlan

High-Density, Transit-Oriented Development in Greater Parramatta

• The session will examine the practical realities of delivering high-density development around transit hubs from planning and approvals to infrastructure coordination, developer confidence and market demand and what it will take to successfully realise Greater Parramatta’s vision as a globally competitive, connected and vibrant city.

Michael Akkawi, Chief Executive Officer, Conquest

The Operating System Behind a Billion-Dollar Flood Recovery Program: Lessons in Delivering Infrastructure at Scale

• Delivering a billion-dollar infrastructure portfolio isn't just about project management—it requires an operating system that enables hundreds of projects to move as one.
• Following the 2022 floods, Lismore City Council was tasked with delivering more than $1 billion in infrastructure restoration across 338 projects spanning roads, bridges, buildings, water, wastewater, waste and flood resilience. Like many regional councils, it had never been structured to manage a capital works program of this scale.
• Rather than simply expanding existing processes, the Flood Restoration Portfolio designed an integrated delivery operating system—bringing together portfolio governance, project management, procurement, commercial management, reporting, risk, assurance and performance management into a single framework that could scale rapidly while maintaining delivery momentum.
• Importantly, this presentation is not about disaster recovery policy or the broader recovery programs delivered across New South Wales. It focuses specifically on public asset infrastructure reconstruction and the practical systems, structures and leadership approaches required to successfully deliver a complex major projects program under intense public scrutiny, evolving funding requirements and compressed delivery timeframes.
• This session will provide delegates with practical, transferable lessons for establishing delivery capability at scale, balancing governance with agility, and creating organisational systems that continue to deliver value long after the immediate program concludes.

Matthew Chesher, Director PMO, Lismore City Council
Nick Baker, Deputy Director, Delivery, Lismore City Council

Beyond the Skills Shortage: What Australia's Major Projects Market Is Really Telling Us About Capability

• Australia's major projects sector has spent years focused on skills shortages, workforce planning and attracting talent. While these challenges remain, the conversation is evolving. Drawing on market intelligence gained through executive search assignments and ongoing conversations with senior leaders across Australia's energy, water and infrastructure sectors, this session will explore the capability trends shaping project delivery today.
• Through practical observations from across the market, we'll examine where organisations are experiencing the greatest capability constraints, why they're increasingly competing for specialist capability rather than simply people, and what distinguishes those consistently attracting and securing high-performing leaders.

We'll explore:

• The emerging capability trends shaping Australia's major projects market.
• Where the greatest leadership and specialist capability constraints are emerging.
• Why organisation’s are increasingly competing for capability—not simply people.
• What distinguishes organisations that consistently attract, secure and retain high-performing leaders.
• Practical insights leaders can apply to strengthen capability and improve project delivery.

Nik Ruparel, Director, ProNEXUS Careers