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
Chris Fox, Founding Director, Studio Chris Fox
Peter Stutchbury, Principal, Peter Stutchbury Architecture

14:00 - 14:20

• 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

14:20 - 14:40

• 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

14:40 - 15:00

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

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

Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital

• The NSW, Victorian and Australian governments have committed $558 million to the Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital project, which will provide enhanced and expanded health care facilities and services to support Albury, Wodonga and Border communities.
• The project is one of the largest regional health projects currently underway in NSW and Victoria. 

16:10 - 16:40

Riverina Redevelopment Project

• The $1.1 billion Riverina Redevelopment Program will improve and expand the facilities and infrastructure at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Wagga, Blamey Barracks (Kapooka) and the Albury Wodonga Military Area.
• The scope comprises major upgrades to and the replacement of existing infrastructure and facilities to support Defence capability for the next 30 years.

16:40 - 17:00

Culcairn Solar Farm

• The Culcairn Solar Farm is a 440 MWp renewable electricity project which will deliver solar arrays and battery storage.
• The farm spans across 1000 hectares of land and will be NSW’s largest solar asset in Australia once operational.

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.

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

Sydney Metro

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

10:40 - 11:00

New Battery Energy Storage System

• The Minns Government has approved a $1 billion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Newcastle. 
• The project will be one of the biggest batteries in NSW, with the capacity to power approximately 200,000 homes during peak demand periods.

11:30 - 12:00

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.

12:00 - 12:20

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

12:20 - 13:00

PANEL DISCUSSION 

Digital Technologies in NSW Major Projetcts

• 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. 

John Hainsworth, Technical Director, Smart Infrastructure, Mott MacDonald

14:00 - 14:20

Central Barangaroo Project 

• The NSW Government has approved a multi-billion-dollar transformation at Central Barangaroo. 
• The project aims to create a world-class lifestyle and living precinct, and will bring over 12,000 construction jobs to NSW.

14:20 - 14:40

SNOWY 2.0 

• Hear about the largest renewable energy project currently under construction in Australia, which will facilitate the nation’s stable transition to a low-carbon emissions future.
• The project will provide large-scale storage and on-demand energy supply to the nation.

14:40 - 15:00

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.