Conference Agenda

09:00 - 09:30

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.

09:30 - 09:50

Ministerial Address

09:50 - 10:20

HumeLink East

• HumeLink is a new 500kV transmission line that will connect Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle.
• The $1.4 billion project is one of the state’s largest energy infrastructure projects, with about 365 km of proposed new transmission lines, as well as new or upgraded infrastructure at several locations.

Jeremy Roberts, Regional Major Projects Director, Transgrid

10:20 - 10:40

Rouse Hill Hospital

• The NSW Government has committed $700 million to develop Rouse Hill Hospital.  
• The project will establish an innovative and research-driven hospital for northwest Sydney. 

Mohamed Nasr, Project Lead - Rouse Hill Hospital Development, Western Sydney Local Health District

10:40 - 11:00

Inland Rail

• Updates and priorities on the Inland Rail Project, which involves upgrading existing rail lines and creating new tracks.
• The completed project will span approximately 1,700 kilometres.

Isabella Hall, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager, Inland Rail

11:30 - 11:55

Michael Kilgariff, Chief Executive Officer, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia

11:55 - 12:15

PRESENTATION BY GOLD SPONSOR BLUEBEAM

12:15 - 13:00

PANEL DISCUSSION: 

Social Responsibility in NSW Major Projects

• Hear from a panel of experts about the role of architecture in promoting social good through thoughtful, responsible design. 
• Architecture that serves the community through ethical development: addressing housing affordability and inclusivity.

Amanda Stanaway, Director, Woods Bagot
Peter Stutchbury, Principal, Peter Stutchbury Architecture

14:00 - 14:30

The Intersection of Sustainability and Aesthetic in Modern Architecture 

• Balancing eco-friendly construction with innovative, visually impactful design.
• The role of sustainable materials in iconic structures.

Peter Stutchbury, Principal, Peter Stutchbury Architecture

14:30 - 15:00

Coffs Harbour Bypass

• The $1.35 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass will improve connectivity, road transport efficiency and safety for local and interstate motorists.
• The Australian and NSW governments are funding the 14-kilometre project.

Jason Moran, Project Director, Gamuda

15:30 - 15:50

One Size Does Not Fit All – Matching Delivery Methods to Project Types in Major Projects

• This presentation offers a simple and practical model to help leaders break the “one‑size-fits-all” habit and instead apply a mixed-methodology delivery approach that reflects the needs of different components of major projects, consistent with the principles of boundary-spanning collaboration, outcome focus, and adaptive delivery highlighted by global bodies.
• The model classifies projects according to the clarity of their goals and methods: 
• Type 1 (“Earth Projects”) – where goals and delivery methods are both clear – typify construction/engineering works.
• Type 2 (“Water Projects”) – where the goals are clear, but the solution needs to be invented – typify by new product development, innovation, and emergent practices.
• Type 3 (“Fire Projects”) – where methods are clear, but clients struggle to provide clear, coherent, or stable requirements – typify IT projects.
• Type 4 (“Air Projects”) – where goals and methods are both unclear – typify behaviour change, social/environmental/economic outcomes, and wicked problems.
• Examples will be drawn from a range of major projects, including Sydney Metro, Western Sydney International Airport, and DCCEEW’s Saving Our Species program.

Kestrel Stone, CEO, Elemental Projects

15:50 - 16:10

16:10 - 16:30

• The M7M12 Integration project is a major project in Western Sydney which will connect the existing M7 motorway with the new M12 motorway to the new Western Sydney airport. The project aims to support future development growth and has implemented sustainability measures through its construction and collaboration with local suppliers.
• The project team, by working with local suppliers, was able to exceed contractual sustainability targets for several materials, including recycled aggregates, concrete, and asphalt mixes. These goals were met within established specifications and budget constraints without affecting productivity. Currently, the team is evaluating additional ways to increase the use of recycled aggregates in ready-mix concrete mixes, with the goal of further reducing emissions. These initiatives have been achieved without raising risk or cost.

Daniel Hogan, Sustainability Manager, John Holland
Victoria Sherwood, CEO, ECORR

16:30 - 16:50

Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project

• Plans are in motion for a $180 million new hospital and upgraded health facilities on the Lower Mid North Coast.
• The project will improve health services and deliver contemporary facilities to support best practice models of care for communities across Taree and the wider Manning Valley region.

09:00 - 09:30

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.

09:30 - 10:00

Western Harbour Tunnel Project Stage 2 

• The Western Harbour Tunnel will be the second road tunnel under Sydney Harbour. 
• The $4.2 billion stage 2 project will deliver tunnelling between Birchgrove and the Warringah Freeway at Cammeray.

Andrew Marsonet, Project Director, Western Harbour Tunnel, ACCIONA Australia

10:00 - 10:20

Nature and the City: Designing for Urban Ecologies and Green Infrastructure in NSW 

• Integrating green roofs, urban forests, and ecological corridors into urban design; regenerating and protecting natural ecosystems within city limits.
• Creating self-sustaining, biodiverse spaces in the heart of urban development.

Tamara Donnellan, Studio Director, ASPECT Studios

10:20 - 10:40

Peter Bennett, Executive Project Director – Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, EnergyCo NSW

10:40 - 11:00

Sustainability in NSW’s Major Projects

• Incorporating environmental sustainability into project design and execution.
• Reducing carbon footprints in construction and operations.
• NSW’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions in infrastructure development.

Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, Green Building Council Australia

11:30 - 11:50

Sydney Metro

• Updates and priorities on Sydney Metro, Australia's largest public transport project.

11:50 - 12:10

Presentation by Conference Luncheon Sponsor

12:10 - 12:30

Navigating Cost Escalation in NSW Major Projects

• Insights into key drivers of cost escalation across major infrastructure projects in NSW.
• Strategies for managing and mitigating cost risks in a volatile market environment.

Sam Mendoza, National Infrastructure Lead, WT Partnership

12:30 - 13:00

PANEL DISCUSSION 

Digital Technologies in NSW Major Projects

• Hear from a panel of experts on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Twin Technology, 3D printing, Big data and robotics in construction, major projects and urban planning. 

George Highfield, Principal Consultant, Turner & Townsend
John Hainsworth, Technical Director, Smart Infrastructure, Mott MacDonald

14:00 - 14:20

• Biodiversity offsets can be one of the most complex and costly components of project approval in NSW yet they are often left too late or poorly understood. In this session, Greg Steenbeeke from Thesium Pty Ltd draws on extensive experience in the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme to explore the strategic timing, pitfalls, and practical realities of offset acquisition.
• Key discussion points will include:
• When to act – Why early engagement on biodiversity offsets can save significant time, cost and project risk
• What’s often missed – Common gaps and oversights in exhibited planning documents that impact biodiversity compliance
• Offset ownership – The true implications including financial, legal, and operational costs of establishing your own biodiversity offset sites
• Whether you’re preparing a State Significant Development or grappling with sequencing, this talk will provide grounded insights to help developers make informed, confident decisions on one of the state’s most misunderstood project requirements.

Greg Steenbeeke, Botanist & Accredited Assesor, Thesium

14:20 - 14:40

• How state entities are developing renewable energy projects, with a focus on EnergyCo's innovative approaches beyond traditional models.
• The significant potential for pumped hydro in NSW country areas due to the region's topography, noting the substantial $1-125M AUD investment already committed to each project.
• Grant opportunities available to accelerate renewable energy projects across the east coast of Australia.
• The unique LCOE modeling for waste-to-energy projects, including how to accurately calculate project assumptions during feasibility by factoring in revenue streams from both input and output.

Kanchana Perera, Founder and Managing Director, Karenewal Energy

14:40 - 15:00

New Woolworths Offsite Charging Hub

• Zenobē has secured an $8.5 million grant from the Australian renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to establish Australia's first offsite truck charging hub in South Sydney. 
• The initiative will enable Woolworths to expand its electric home delivery truck fleet, and supports Woolworths' goal of a 100% electric home delivery fleet by 2030.

Gareth Ridge, Country Director, Zenobē

15:00 - 15:20

MacQuarie Park Education Campus 

• As part of the NSW Government’s plan to rebuild public education, the 2024-25 Budget is delivering $8.9 billion for new and upgraded schools. 
• Macquarie Park Education Campus will include a new primary school, an integrated public preschool and a new high school.