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 - 10:00

Building A Stable Foundation for The Future
A 40-year master plan for the future of NSW’s infrastructure, creating a powerful foundation for the state's future $1.3 trillion economy. 

Jim Betts, Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure NSW

10:00 - 10:20

Western Sydney Airport

Western Sydney Airport will provide much-needed additional aviation capacity to meet the growing demand in the Sydney basin.  One of Australia’s most significant infrastructure projects in decades, the international and domestic airport will open in 2026.  A catalyst for social and economic prosperity in Western Sydney, the airport and surrounding aerotropolis will stimulate jobs growth and infrastructure investment in the region.

Graham Millett, Chief Executive Officer, Western Sydney Airport

10:20 - 10:40

The Epicentre of Urban Renewal

In this developing Western Sydney Aerotropolis, Liverpool provides ample space for growth and success.

• How will development impact the community’s access to employment opportunities?
• Will this propel an increase in the quality of life for residents?
• What will the future of Liverpool look like?

Kiersten Fishburn, Chief Executive Officer, Liverpool City Council

10:40 - 11:00

The Centrepiece for Parramatta Square Development

8 Parramatta Square is soon to become Australia’s largest commercial tower and the centrepiece of the $2.8 billion Parramatta Square Development.

David Reidy, Acting Director of Property and Significant Assets, City of Parramatta Council
Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson, Lord Mayor, City of Parramatta Council

11:30 - 11:50

Parramatta Light Rail 

A key enabler for the growth of Sydney’s Central City, the Parramatta Light Rail will connect great places to housing and jobs within a 30 minute city. 

• What is happening in the lead up to the beginning of construction of Stage 1 in 2019?
• How Stage 2 is being planned in parallel with the procurement and delivery of Stage 1

Tim Poole, Program Director - Parramatta Light Rail, Transport for NSW

11:50 - 12:10

World Trade Center Sydney (WTC Sydney)

• Creating an Ecosystem for international trade by connecting Sydney with 320 cities across the world
• Making Western Sydney an International Trade & Logistics Hub
• Synergy between Western Sydney Airport (WSA), World Trade Center Sydney (WTC Sydney) and The University of Sydney
• Creating 150,000 total jobs in Western Sydney and $59 billion in total economic contribution per year and $8 billion tax contribution per year, once fully establishing the WTC SYDNEY.

Jomon Varghese, Managing Director & CEO, Aerotropolis Group & World Trade Center Sydney (WTC)

12:10 - 12:30

WestConnex Project Update – Delivering Australia’s Largest Road Infrastructure Project

• New M4 tunnels, preparing for opening to motorists
• Tunnelling update on the New M5 and construction of the St Peters Interchange
• Preparing for construction on the M4-M5 Link mainline tunnel

Andrew Head, Chief Executive Officer, WestConnex

12:30 - 12:50

Smart Transport: Traffic Management Systems Tackling Congestion on the M4

Due for completion in 2020, this half a billion-dollar roads project uses real time information, communication and traffic management tools to reduce congestion on the Sydney metropolitan road network. Using complimentary technology, this project aims to create a safer and faster journey for drivers.

Stephen Baker, Senior Project Manager, M4 Smart Motorway, Roads and Maritime Services

13:50 - 14:10

Pacific Highway Upgrades – Woolgoolga to Ballina

The Pacific Highway upgrade is one of the largest road infrastructure projects in NSW. It connects Sydney and Brisbane, and is a major contributor to Australia's economic activity.

The 155 kilometre upgrade between Woolgoolga and Ballina is being delivered using a delivery partner model and is the last  link between Hexham and the Queensland border to be upgraded to four lanes.

Shane Green, Director - Major Projects, Woolgoolga to Ballina, Roads and Maritime Services

14:10 - 14:30

Science, Evidence and Community

• Assessing Major Projects in NSW 
• Complying with these approvals

Marcus Ray, Deputy Secretary Planning Services, Department of Planning & Environment

14:30 - 14:50

Shaping the City with Infrastructure

Steve Mann, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Development Institute of Australia - NSW

14:50 - 15:10

How PlanGrid Is Redefining the Construction on Job Sites and Major Works

• Analysing how PlanGrid can help different project teams collaborate and thus increase productivity.
• Exploring the software’s ability to bypass internet connectivity problems common for workers in the field and in tunnels
• Enhancing efficiency by tracking work assignments and important drawings

Jeremy Christoforatos, Regional Sales Manager, PlanGrid

15:40 - 16:00

Regional Growth Fund – Activating Regional Projects

Part of the NSW Government’s Regional Growth Fund, Growing Local Economies will provide funding over four years to deliver long-term benefits to regional areas.

• To propel economic growth and increase job opportunities
• Help regional communities to capitalise on their strengths or broaden their industry base

Investing $1.6 billion into regional growth to ensure all communities state-wide benefit from NSW’s economic success.

Chris Hanger, Executive Director, Regional Policy, Infrastructure Programs, NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet

16:00 - 16:20

State of NSW Declared in Drought

New South Wales is currently experiencing its worst drought on record and communities are suffering.

• How has the farmland of NSW changed over the past 6-24 months?
• Exploring the help available and what is still needed

Pip Job, State Drought Coordinator, NSW Department of Primary Industries

16:20 - 17:00

Panel Discussion: Urban Planning for State Growth

Creating long-term sustainable infrastructure that will propel growth requires insight and understanding into what a city needs.

This panel discussion will explore the collaboration undergone between sectors to ensure an efficient and effective urban planning process.

Dr Jennifer Kent, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Sydney
Matt Coetzee, Director, Sense Strategy Consulting Pty Ltd
Philip Vivian, Director, Bates Smart
Steve Mann, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Development Institute of Australia - NSW

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

The Impact of Infrastructure on The Social Ecosystem

Helen O’Loughlin, Social Commissioner, Greater Sydney Commission

10:00 - 10:20

Where All Creativity Has A Place – New South Wales Cultural Infrastructure

The NSW Government is currently undertaking the largest collection of investments to impact the cultural infrastructure of NSW since the construction of the Sydney Opera House in 1959.  This will elevate Sydney’s cultural status by defining distinctive and appealing urban culture. For the first time, the NSW Government has developed a strategic, coordinated approach to cultural infrastructure investment.

The NSW Cultural Infrastructure Plan 2025+ is a bold new approach to cultural infrastructure planning and investment. It seeks to maximise the contribution of cultural infrastructure to a wide range of social and economic policy outcomes, including increased urban amenity, community health and wellbeing, regional economic development, and making Greater Sydney and New South Wales the cultural gateway to Australia. 

Craig A Limkin, Executive Director, Create Infrastructure, Department of Planning and Environment

10:20 - 10:40

Western Sydney Stadium

• Discussing Australia’s steepest stadium – the Western Sydney Stadium
• How the design has changed the face of live sport venues in Australia
• Exploring the deliberate design decisions made to ensure the stadium’s position as a distinctive Western Sydney landmark

Al Baxter, Associate Principal, Populous

10:40 - 11:00

Sydney’s Largest Public Transport Project

Sydney Metro Northwest will open in the first half of 2019. Chatswood to Bankstown is already under construction and due to open in 2024. Combined the two projects total $20 billion.

Planning for Sydney Metro West is advancing rapidly.

Project updates for Sydney Metro

• Sydney Metro City & Southwest
• Sydney Metro Northwest
• Sydney Metro West

Tom Gellibrand, Program Director, Sydney Metro

11:30 - 11:50

A Thriving World Class Arts Precinct

Walsh Bay’s performing arts and cultural precinct is getting a $200 million redevelopment.

• How will this project promote a sense of community and inclusivity amongst Sydneysiders?
• Exploring the underdeveloped pier’s refurbishment and its influence on the area

Dr Peter Tonkin, Director, TonkinZulaikhaGreer

11:50 - 12:10

The Potential for Fast/Medium Rails

Professor Rico Merkert, Professor and Chair in Transport and Supply Chain Management,, University of Sydney Business School

12:10 - 12:40

Demand and Supply of Construction Labour and Engineering Resources for NSW Major Projects

• Presentation of demand, and supply analysis of construction labour and engineering resources for NSW major projects
• 5-year look-ahead on skills demand and supply in NSW  
• Identification of which skills will be in short supply, where, when and by how many
• Labour dynamics and competition from projects in other states
• The impact of skills shortages on productivity, cost and schedule
• Potential strategies to address current, medium and longer-term skills shortages

Peter Dyball, Principal & Founder, Pit Crew Management Consulting Services Pty Ltd

12:40 - 13:00

Commercial & Financing Market for Major Projects

• Market dynamics
• Commercial/PPP models being adopted for major projects
• Current hot topics

Greg Dobson, Partner, Infrastructure Advisory at EY

14:00 - 14:20

Key Trends in an Expanding Sydney – AECOM’s Sydney Manifesto

James Rosenwax, Executive Director, Cities, Australia New Zealand, AECOM

14:20 - 14:40

Love of Sport Takes Centre Stage at Central

Building on the Australian love of sport, placing a new stadium at the heart of our integrated transport system will stimulate the surrounding public realm and create flow on economic benefits.

Philip Vivian, Director, Bates Smart

14:40 - 15:00

Build to Rent in NSW

Nathan Deveson, Partner, MinterEllison
Rachel McNaught, Partner, MinterEllison