Infrastructure is available by subscription from the publisher. The rights of refusal are reserved by the publisher.
Cover image black_mts/stock.adobe.com
Editor’s welcome
From digital corridors to solarlit streets, this edition of Infrastructure Magazine explores how innovation is shaping every layer of our built environment.
Across sectors, we’re seeing technology drive smarter planning, faster compliance, and more resilient supply chains. However, these advances also prompt bigger questions about risk, legacy systems, and how we define value, whether through clean air, extended asset life, or long-term sustainability.
This edition, we look at how advanced modelling is helping to deliver one of Western Australia’s most complex corridors, while fresh perspectives challenge old approaches to infrastructure risk.
Equipment and asset management take centre stage as we examine compliance in critical systems, preservation techniques (from the ground up), and the growing importance of data infrastructure security.
On the sustainability front, we highlight upgrades in ratings, certification, and low-carbon remediation methods – tools that aim to simplify complexity while enabling real change.
Further in this edition, we look beyond blueprints and into how emerging automation technologies could reshape transport and construction. Meanwhile, a special region review unpacks the scale and strategy of New South Wales’ infrastructure investment pipeline
This edition also captures some major events in Australia’s infrastructure event scene. These forums can be a key launchpad for practical ideas and new market opportunities.
While the infrastructure sector is always under pressure – financial, environmental, and political – this pressure is sparking sharper thinking, more collaborative design, and a willingness to disrupt old models.
We hope this issue offers a cleareyed view of what’s shifting, and how the industry can respond with strength, clarity, and purpose.
Tim Hall Editor, Infrastructure Magazine
Get in touch at info@infrastructuremagazine.com.au or feel free to give us a call on 03
Don’t forget to follow Infrastructure on social media – find us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
37 How solar streetlights can drive road safety
40 Simplifying compliance with CodeMark certification
12 Revizto de-risks delivery on complex corridor 16 How digital technology can help strengthen supply-chain resilience 18 Road safety from blueprints to white lines
Safeguarding compliance in critical infrastructure
Lifecycle solutions for asset preservation
The true cost of clean air
Armouring Australia’s critical data infrastructure
Cutting complexity, boosting confidence in sustainability tools
Extending infrastructure lifespan through smarter remediation
42 Rating breakthrough puts sustainability on the tarmac
44 Highways AU 2025: Real solutions for Australia’s transport future
46 Finding new market avenues at Converge
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
48 Molonglo: A new suburb's last chapter
50 Road, rail and robots? Ideas for change in the automation age
52 Region review: NSW’s infrastructure investment plan
Fast, Non-Invasive & Cost Effective Solutions for Critical Infrastructure
Perth public transport enhanced
Perth has celebrated the official opening of the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Line and the elevated inner-section of the Armadale Line, delivering greater connectivity and resilience.
The 17-kilometre Thornlie-Cockburn Line is Perth’s first east-west cross-line rail connection, linking the Mandurah and Armadale lines.
The project included the construction of new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road, along with significant upgrades to Thornlie, Cockburn Central, and Perth Stadium stations. Commuters can now reach Perth in 27 minutes from Nicholson Road and 31 minutes from Ranford Road.
The new line not only enhances passenger access to Optus
Stadium but also improves network redundancy, creating additional route options during major events and service disruptions.
The project involved relocating a 22km freight line and laying over 84,000 sleepers and 180,000 tonnes of ballast.
The line is supported by 1400 parking bays and more than 20 new or restructured bus routes, including 11 directly serving the new stations. This multi-modal integration is expected to improve first- and last-mile connectivity for commuters.
Also opening is the eight kilometre elevated section of the Armadale Line, delivering new stations at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park, Cannington, and Beckenham.
This section eliminates multiple level crossings and reactivates under-utilised urban space. The area beneath the elevated tracks will become ‘Long Park’ – a seven kilometre corridor of activated public space featuring community facilities and amenities, with finishing works ongoing.
Combined, the projects supported over 5900 construction jobs and form part of the broader METRONET investment, designed to accommodate population growth and drive urban regeneration.
The remaining Armadale Line –including new stations at Armadale and Byford, and reopened stations at Sherwood, Challis, Kelmscott, Seaforth, Gosnells, Maddington, and Kenwick –is scheduled to come online later this year.
Upgrades allow new route options to handle major events and disruptions.
AusRAIL PLUS is returning to Melbourne for a worldclass three-day conference experience. Gain insights, forge connections, and help shape the future of rail infrastructure across Australia and the region at Asia-Pacific’s largest rail event. Visit ausrail.com
Major WA upgrades under Southern Ports plan
Southern Ports is reshaping regional WA’s trade future with a capital works blitz.
Backed by $225 million in State Government funding and the authority’s largest capital works program to date, Southern Ports is scaling up long-term infrastructure planning across its regional WA operations.
Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said the strategy reflects a shift towards adaptable, multi-user assets capable of supporting diversified trade.
“We are mapping the port infrastructure needed for the next 30-plus years,” he said.
“As demand grows and trade diversifies, the emphasis is shifting.”
The Port of Bunbury is central to this effort, with trade forecasts factoring in energy transition, growth in bulk commodities, and increased demand driven by expanded state manufacturing.
As the world’s largest lithium export hub, Bunbury saw record break bulk imports in 2024, including infrastructure for onshore wind farms and 800 battery units destined for Collie, contributing to grid capacity for 785,000 homes.
To support growth, Southern Ports has begun building a $34 million road and bridge to Turkey Point, designed to separate heavy vehicle movements from public access routes.
Commenced in March 2024, the project unlocks new port development zones and enhances public safety.
In Esperance, a $20 million overhaul of the Hughes Road freight corridor is underway. The 40-yearold route – crucial for agricultural and mineral exports – handles roughly half of the port’s 13.2 million tonnes of annual throughput.
Upgrades will accommodate over 300,000 truck movements
each year, primarily servicing grain, fertiliser, spodumene, nickel and sulphur trade. Works are designed to enhance port efficiency while reducing the safety risks to adjacent residential areas.
Further south, an $8.5 million revitalisation project in Albany will see the state’s oldest port precinct transformed.
The heritage-listed pilot station is being redeveloped into a community and tourism asset, with completion targeted for 2027. The project aims to integrate local cultural heritage into port infrastructure renewal.
Across all sites, Southern Ports said it is balancing asset utility with regional development impact.
“We’re planning a future that takes into account not only the infrastructure requirements within our port, but considers how we can also leverage it to deliver value to our regions,” Wilks said.
Image:
Trung Nguyen/stock.adobe.com
New works seek to prepare for the next 30 years of port use.
INDUSTRIAL GRADE SOLAR LIGHTING YOU CAN COUNT ON
Australia’s most trusted solar
Designed and developed in Australia for Australia’s harsh conditions and worst-case weather
100% compliant with Australian and
20+ year design life, 10-year
$131 billion freight boost
The New South Wales Government has endorsed a sweeping freight reform blueprint that could add $131.5 billion to the state economy and create 235,000 new jobs by 2061.
The new plan is underpinned by a technically detailed roadmap designed to reshape planning, infrastructure, and regulation across the freight sector.
The Delivering Freight Policy Reform in NSW report, led by Dr Kerry Schott AO and her panel, presents more than 70 specific actions spanning road, rail, ports, and intermodal infrastructure, many of which address longstanding inefficiencies, modal imbalances, and regulatory inconsistencies.
Key technical proposals include a formal review of the NSW rail access undertaking by 2026 to support competitive freight rail paths and pricing parity with road networks.
Currently, passenger prioritisation on the Sydney Trains network severely limits freight capacity. The report calls for better coordination between the three separate rail
systems in NSW (Sydney Trains, ARTC, UGL Regional Linx) and investment in projects like the Western Sydney Freight Line and a new intermodal terminal at Mamre Road, Erskine Park.
To increase rail’s share of containerised freight – currently just 14 per cent at Port Botany – the report recommends operational improvements including extending train lengths, optimising on-dock rail interfaces, and increasing use of terminals like Moorebank and Enfield.
Constraints such as 600-metre siding limits at Port Botany and complex split-shunting requirements are flagged as key barriers to rail efficiency.
On roads, reforms include advancing distance-based charging models to replace declining fuel excise revenue, and establishing more consistent heavy vehicle access policies across jurisdictions. Local governments, which maintain over 90 per cent of the road network, will be supported through targeted grants and emergency repair funding.
Port strategy reforms clarify that Port Botany will remain the state’s core container hub, while supporting diversification at Port Kembla and Newcastle – particularly in response to declining coal volumes.
Recommendation 18 of the Willett Review, proposing NSW Ports administer Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy elements, was rejected, with an independent facilitator to be appointed instead.
The report also highlights critical gaps in industrial land supply for freight use and recommends preserving future freight corridors, particularly in growth areas like Western Sydney.
It also supports decarbonisation measures, noting that a shift from road to rail offers the most immediate emissions reduction.
Pending further review is the potential for increasing night-time freight movements to better utilise off-peak capacity on roads and rail, a move supported in principle but requiring additional analysis.
Transport for NSW said that it will begin immediate implementation of the roadmap.
Targeted regulatory changes and new projects could unlock enormous benefits for freight in New South Wales.
SENSE 600® Australian made sustainable steel
Building a better tomorrow, without changing how you build today.
Uses up to 16.7% less raw material than our standard 500N reinforcing steel and made from 100% scrap metal.
Driving progress to decarbonise the infrastructure industry doesn’t mean having to change the way you work. SENSE 600®, our new reinforcing bar innovation, brings you lower Scope 3 emissions without compromising on performance or qualityall while integrating seamlessly into your existing workflows. Together, we can create a construction industry where sustainability isn’t just an option - it’s the standard. It just makes SENSE
Delivering up to 39% lower embodied carbon when using in place of our equivalent load capacity standard 500N reinforcing steel.
www.InfraBuildSENSESolutions.com
Confidence from third-party certification from GECA (SSPv1.0i-2019) and meets Australian Standard AS/NZS 4671. ,
Revizto de-risks delivery on complex corridor
Perth’s rail network is undergoing a once-in-a-generation expansion, and Revizto is playing a pivotal role in supporting the digital coordination behind it.
By adopting Revizto – an integrated collaboration and communication platform – in its project delivery, CPB Contractors (CPB) has transformed how major linear infrastructure is designed, built, and reviewed across both greenfield and brownfield terrain.
At the centre of this shift are two major Perth projects: the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension and the METRONET Thornlie–Cockburn Link.
Together, they deliver nearly 30 kilometres of new passenger rail, threading through dense urban networks and high-risk underground utilities. Their successful delivery hinges on coordination at an unprecedented scale.
“We needed a platform that would allow us to collaborate using huge data sets,” said Steven Langley, Digital Engineering Manager at CPB Contractors.
“The project is extensive in terms of its geographical footprint, and we
knew that existing tools weren’t good at handling long linear projects.”
Langley’s leadership was instrumental in driving digital adoption across both rail projects. Over several years, he championed a model-first approach to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and elevate communication across hundreds of collaborators.
As part of CPB’s Integrated Digital Delivery program—which is driving major investment in digital capability—the team implemented Revizto alongside a suite of digital tools. This supported the safe and efficient delivery of the project, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and helped transform how the project was delivered.
FROM DRAWINGS TO DATA-DRIVEN MODELS
Five years ago, CPB took a calculated leap.
Revizto was not widely used in the Australian infrastructure sector at the
time, but its ability to federate multiple design models, overlay drawings, streamline issue tracking and facilitate visual communication stood out.
“CPB is heading towards a modelfirst, data-driven approach to deliver our projects,” Langley said.
“We’re basically building everything and reviewing everything in a virtual world before we ever get it to site.”
Compared to legacy workflows, this shift is profound. Traditional 2D coordination often relies on drawing overlays, informal communication and siloed updates – methods that leave room for error and delay.
In contrast, CPB’s digital-first approach has created a shared, live environment for design, constructability, and sequencing reviews. With over 22,990 issues and 15,200 clashes identified and resolved within the platform, the team was able to eliminate countless hours of rework and
The software includes 3D models with intuitive issue tracking and collaboration.
Images: Revizto
mitigate risk long before boots hit the ground.
DESIGN TO DELIVERY
While the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension offered a clean slate in the form of 14 kilometres of new track through Perth’s northern growth corridor, the METRONET Thornlie–Cockburn Link was another story altogether. It required threading new infrastructure through dense existing rail corridors, underground services and highly sensitive assets.
“We tried to engage our subcontractors so they produced LOD [level of design] 400, or fabrication-standard information,” Langley said.
“Bringing that into the model and augmenting the LOD 300 designlevel information was critical from a construction perspective.”
Revizto enabled CPB to integrate detailed data into a live coordination environment, managing over 19,400 model sheets and drawings, 11,169 file attachments, 4,600 stamps, more than 1,000 reports, and one of the largest combined point cloud datasets ever processed on a WA rail project.
All of this information was centrally visualised and interrogated, allowing the team
to identify issues early, reduce ambiguity, and build with confidence.
COORDINATION FOR A COMPLEX NETWORK
The METRONET Thornlie–Cockburn Link in particular presented a formidable challenge: complex staging, constrained access, live overhead electrification, and major service relocations, including the BP Kwinana fuel line that feeds Perth Airport.
“There was a lot of staging that needed to happen and closures – or shuts, as we call them,” Langley said.
“We had some of the longest shuts that have been allowed on the PTA network – including a 20-day shut, the biggest public transport shutdown Perth has ever had.”
Revizto played a crucial role in sequencing and visualising these high-risk phases.
Project managers used the platform to simulate work areas, plan shifts, and brief field teams with model walk-throughs. Visualising spatial constraints helped avoid clashes between overhead line equipment, in-ground utilities, and new civil structures.
“Being able to walk people through the corridor in a virtual environment, showing where assets were going to sit – overheads, gantries, line
equipment – and overlay that with what’s underneath was critical,” Langley said.
“It gave everyone the insight they needed to work safely and efficiently.”
CAPTURING THE AS-BUILT REALITY
Revizto’s impact did not stop with design and construction. The platform became central to CPB’s post-construction workflows as well.
“We’re definitely using this through the red line markup process… to essentially create as-constructed models,” Langley said.
Using drone imagery, terrestrial laser scans and point clouds processed through other platforms, the team could overlay real-world data onto design models to validate tolerance and completeness.
This data supports LOD 500 requirements – handing over a verified, navigable record of what was built to the client.
“We can overlay point clouds and verify that what we’ve done is what we said we’ve done,” Langley said.
TRAINING THE TEAM
The success of these tools relies not only on their capabilities, but on how they are adopted. For CPB, training and enablement were integral to rollout.
Models can be used across the project team, from project managers to field crews.
“We created a standard methods and procedures document… down to mouse button presses,” Langley said.
The team delivered fortnightly training during early phases, moving to on-demand support as confidence grew.
Revizto’s intuitive interface was key. Accessible across desktops, tablets and even phones, it gave teams flexible, live access to models, drawings and issue logs. This helped drive adoption across all project stages – from early design to site execution.
“Revizto’s ease of use was crucial,” Langley said.
“Success would not have been possible without that. It allowed people of different skill levels to engage with the model at every stage.”
That accessibility helped break down silos between office and field. Today, it is not unusual to find project managers with Revizto open at their desk or site supervisors using tablet devices to brief crews with 3D snapshots.
CROSS-STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION
Across both major rail corridors, Revizto also helped CPB collaborate more effectively with government clients, service authorities and joint venture partners.
“We had an extensive set of digital deliverables written into the contract,” Langley explained.
“LOD 300 at design, LOD 400 for fabrication, and LOD 500 for handover.”
With a project-based licence, CPB was able to invite unlimited users – assigning permission levels from novice to expert.
Client-side teams, subcontractors and government stakeholders could be granted access to specific areas or features, ensuring control without restricting collaboration.
“We invited multiple stakeholders –the client [PTA], ARC, local authorities - Western Power and the Water Corporation were also flown through the model when being consulted during workshops,” Langley said.
“Everyone had access to the same environment. That transparency was essential.”
Revizto’s own team also contributed through ongoing platform support, implementation guidance, and user onboarding – ensuring the tool could evolve with the project.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT, AND TIME
The returns from CPB’s digital approach are not abstract. Langley estimates that without Revizto, many
of the 22,990 issues and 15,200 clashes resolved virtually would have manifested on site – costing time, labour and rework.
By addressing these early, CPB saved significant resourcing. The project avoided hundreds of hours in delays and mitigated critical interface risks before construction sequencing began.
“To be able to plan, sequence, and communicate clearly… it’s been a significant step change,” Langley said.
Langley believes the most meaningful impact of digital delivery is human.
“At the beginning of the project, a lot of the construction team had never been exposed to this sort of technology,” he said.
“But now? I’ve got testimonials coming back from guys in the field saying they don’t want to go back.”
That shift, paired with hard data on time savings, error reduction and stakeholder alignment, puts CPB among the Tier One contractors truly embracing innovation.
“These are legacy projects,” Langley said.
“The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension and the METRONET Thornlie–Cockburn Link are massive. The impact they’ll have on the community is huge. And the use of this platform has only enhanced what we’ve been able to achieve.”
Advanced modelling can play a central role in post-construction verification and handover.
How digital technology can help strengthen supply-chain resilience
Resilience is a major mantra for Australia’s infrastructure sector, according to software provider Noggin. Many are seeking measures to adapt to and recover from disruptions while maintaining continuous operations.
Policymakers have put forth the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act (2018) and other legislation seeking to help the nation’s infrastructure sector to anticipate, prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from hazards.
However, industrial supply-chain disruptions remain commonplace, with almost 80 per cent of organisations experiencing supplychain disruptions, according to the BCI Supply Chain Resilience Report 2024.
However, there are a number of ways in which digital technology can help strengthen the supplychain resilience of the nation’s infrastructure sector.
THE GLOBAL COMPLIANCE PICTURE
Global supply-chain challenges persist. A staggering nine in ten respondents to the McKinsey Global Supply Chain Leader Survey admitted that they encountered supply-chain challenges in 2024.
Policymakers around the world have also noticed the persistence of supply-chain issues and how frequently third-party failure and cyber-attacks cause supplychain disruptions.
As a result, the UK government recently clarified provisions of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, proposing to bring more suppliers under regulatory scrutiny as well as give regulators the ability to designate critical suppliers and demand that they embed stricter supply-chain security requirements.
Here in Australia, Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program (CIRMP) requirements in the SOCI Act also mandate that the infrastructure sector addresses supply-chain hazards by:
· Identifying material risks where the occurrence of a hazard could have a relevant impact on the asset
· Minimising and eliminating the material risks of that hazard occurring
· Mitigating the relevant impact of that hazard on the asset
Custom playbooks can assist in crisis management.
WAYS IN WHICH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CAN STRENGTHEN SUPPLY-CHAIN RESILIENCE
Only 18 per cent of all organisations have increased the use of technology to map supply-chain disruptions as a direct result of increasing supply-chain pressures/vulnerabilities, according to the Business Continuity Institute (BCI).
But how can digital technology help strengthen supply-chain resilience?
1. Collaborate with third parties in a unified workspace
As recently as 2022, 45 per cent of respondents to McKinsey’s annual supply-chain survey said that they either had no visibility into their upstream supply chain or could only see as far as their first-tier suppliers.
One way to improve visibility and better manage risk across an organisation’s entire third-party ecosystem is to seamlessly collaborate with third parties in a unified workspace dedicated to enhancing resilience. That unified workspace can equip teams to pinpoint and address the top issues across their supplier ecosystem, from onboarding and due diligence to risk monitoring, contract, and action management.
Digital technology can support the monitoring of third parties on an ongoing basis through the collection of critical documentation, improving visibility in the process. This helps to ensure organisations have the right data to improve the resilience of their third-party ecosystem and can stay ahead of emerging threats, too.
2. Integrate third parties into resilience initiatives
Beyond collaborating with suppliers, infrastructure organisations may also want to integrate key third parties into their resilience initiatives. They can do this by incorporating third-party and supplier-risk management into their wider resilience workspaces. Such workspaces offer risk-intelligence capabilities for anticipating disruptions, functionality for collaboration during incident response, as well as risk assessments and dependency mapping to bolster preparedness.
3. Improve incident preparedness
The specialists at Noggin recommend that, if they haven’t started yet, infrastructure organisations should develop custom playbooks for supplychain disruption scenarios that also complement the organisation’s existing incident, crisis management, and business continuity plans. From there, the plans should be digitised to provide easy access, enhanced coordination, and reduced risk of critical information being missed.
Digital technology can help. Organisations can use software to create incident response plans, using automated plans and checklist functionality, then conduct exercises on an ongoing basis to test preparedness, mitigation, and response.
Digital technology can also generate crisis and incident response action plans from a comprehensive library of best practices, or organisations can customise pre-existing strategies to align with their own requirements.
4. Maintain continuous improvement
Supply-chain resilience isn’t static. As the risk environment changes, efforts to maintain resilience have to evolve accordingly. Therefore, to ensure continuous improvement, infrastructure organisations will have to commit to collecting data from their ecosystem.
Digital technology can provide a central source of truth for that information, enabling organisations to leverage the data collected, as well as visualise it using configurable analytics to identify top issues and opportunities for improvement.
These insights can also be shared with internal stakeholders or externally with regulators to satisfy the organisation’s obligations.
Finally, more than five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chains remain fragile. Australia’s infrastructure sector, for its part, is feeling the effects. Fortunately, integrated resilience software, like Noggin, can help.
By facilitating engagement and collaboration across all stakeholders, integrated resilience software helps infrastructure organisations prepare for adverse events, stay ahead of potential supply-chain disruptions, and ensure a unified approach to resilience.
Shared digital workspaces expose issues across the supplier ecosystem.
Road safety from blueprints to white lines
Local roads might seem a world away from the zero-death ideal of Vision Zero, but engineer Kenn Beer wants councils to imagine exactly that.
"What would a future look like free of death and serious injury?”
road safety expert Kenn Beer asked delegates at the ALGA National General Assembly.
“What’s a blueprint for our network?”
As a trusted advisor to governments across Australia and New Zealand, Beer is on a mission to shift how councils approach road trauma; moving from reactive fixes to whole-ofnetwork transformation.
It starts with the national road safety strategy, which calls on local governments to prepare network safety plans.
“We’re not looking at individual spots,” Beer said.
“We’re thinking at the whole network level of ‘how do we uplift roads and streets to be safer?’ ”
This is a pivot from crash blackspots to system design,
rooted in safe system principles and biomechanics of injury.
“We need to manage crashes to within tolerable levels,” said Beer.
“Crashes will still occur and mistakes will happen. But we need to ensure they’re survivable.”
He illustrated this with a jarring analogy: falling from a multi-storey building. The impact speed from a fall is comparable to crash velocities – 40 kilometres an hour (km/h) from the second floor, 100km/h from the tenth floor.
“We wouldn’t say; ‘Just don’t drink on the balcony’ – we’d put up a railing,” Beer said.
“On the road network, very often all we have is a white line.”
FUTURE PLANNING, NOT FORENSIC HINDSIGHT
To make real progress toward zero deaths by 2050, Beer argued for “starting in the future and working backwards.”
This means mapping out the vehicles, infrastructure, speeds, and road user behaviours expected in 2050, then testing today’s network against that vision.
Using detailed modelling developed with Austroads, Beer’s team has stress-tested local networks using 2050 scenarios.
One example: a fatality involving a 2020 Camry on a rural 100km/h road.
“We put it into the 2050 scenario and say, would that still be a fatality? If we assume a 2045 vehicle with lane keeping and fatigue detection, that crash is solved – it goes in the solved pile,” Beer said.
Other crash types, such as highspeed motorcycle incidents on windy rural roads, remain in the “residual pile” – the stubborn eight per cent of road trauma that current systems are yet to solve.
“If we have big commitment, good investment and a lot of courage from leadership, we can eliminate around 92
Speed is a powerful lever to improve road safety.
Image:
per cent of death and serious injury by 2050,” Beer said.
SPEED, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND STRATEGIC TRADE-OFFS
One of the most powerful levers is speed. Beer used AusRAP ratings to demonstrate how road design and speed interact: a sealed local road at 100km/h may rate just one star; drop that to 70km/h and it jumps to five stars – if compliance is assumed.
Crucially, Beer argued, councils must match speed to function.
“We need some sort of thinking around what is the strategic function of this road or street,” he said.
Whether it’s a high-speed freight corridor or a local place for people, the speed and infrastructure should reflect that role.
“We inherited a very high speed as our default mode of travel? In regional areas,” he said.
“100km/h is just very, very fast.”
Beer praised councils like the City of Greater Geelong and Mornington Peninsula Shire for grappling with these issues head-on.
Geelong is using Vision Zero as the basis for a long-term blueprint, while Mornington Peninsula has seen strong community support for reducing speed limits on rural roads.
TECHNOLOGY IS NO SILVER BULLET
Despite promising vehicle advances from autonomous braking to alcohol detection, Beer cautioned against over-relying on technology.
“The vehicle of 2030 will do some of the speed management on its own,” he said, “but even those vehicles with all those features will still be involved in road trauma.”
He also acknowledged limitations for rural and unsealed roads.
“You put them on a dirt road without lines, and they don’t perform the same. The tech isn’t the challenge. It’s whether society is willing to accept and mandate it,” he said.
Councils in remote areas raised practical concerns – long travel times, wildlife collisions, rising use of unregulated e-bikes, and the absence of bypasses or overtaking lanes despite growing freight volumes.
“We can’t do everything on every road,” Beer said.
“But we can reduce trauma with side road treatments, sealed shoulders, and better risk mapping.”
CAPABILITY AND CULTURE
Ultimately, Beer’s biggest focus may be people.
“We’re working hard to build up local government capability and capacity around network safety planning,” he said, pointing to national and international collaborations now extending into the US.
Alongside technical planning, he urged a cultural shift.
“We have an unsafe system, and we have users with varying levels of safety and commitment,” he said.
“We need to uplift the entire system – vehicles, infrastructure, speeds, and human behaviour.”
That includes fostering a sense of self-responsibility on and around the road.
“It’s good to have safety features,” one attendee noted, “but we also need to teach kids to look before crossing.”
Beer agreed: “We need both. Technology and personal accountability must work together.”
Experts say councils must match speed to function.
Safeguarding compliance in critical infrastructure
With the introduction of AS4044:2024 – the new Australian Standard for stationary battery chargers – power system integrators are facing a pivotal shift in expectations around performance, reliability, and compliance.
Intelepower, a division of Century Yuasa, delivers fully engineered direct current (DC) power systems designed to meet the demands of Australia’s most critical infrastructure sectors. From substations and water treatment facilities to transport and emergency services, compliance is no longer optional – it’s the baseline.
BUILT FOR TODAY’S STANDARDS
Australian standard AS4044:2024 raises the bar for battery charger design and installation, providing the first significant technical update in over two decades. This standard is now essential for projects where battery charger systems play a role in safety-related or critical operations. The standard introduces several key requirements:
· Built-in charge control and regulation with compatibility across battery chemistries.
· electromagnetic compliance to minimise electrical interference in sensitive environments.
· Three-phase compatibility and neutral current limitation for enhanced electrical safety.
· Digital instrumentation for improved visibility and system diagnostics.
· Colour-coded cabling and installation guidelines for enhanced
serviceability and compliance. These changes reflect the evolving needs of modern infrastructure – and Intelepower’s systems are already designed to meet them.
ENGINEERED FOR RELIABILITY AND COMPLIANCE
As both a manufacturer and technical integrator, Intelepower works with project engineers to specify and supply fully compliant DC systems tailored to site risk and operational criticality.
Each solution is engineered in line with AS3011, AS2676, AS5139 and now AS4044:2024 — backed by national service, local project support, and a full lifecycle management approach.
For utilities and operators, this reduces risk across multiple touchpoints:
· Assurance of compliance at the point of delivery.
· Seamless installation, commissioning and testing.
· Ongoing support, diagnostics and reporting to support regulatory and operational benchmarks.
Intelepower’s systems are powered by Yuasa batteries and high-performance chargers — engineered for long-term durability in harsh Australian conditions. When compliance, uptime and system longevity matter, nothing is left to chance.
Yuasa’s brand promise –'Performance Every Time' – underpins every system delivered. Together with Intelepower’s technical leadership and national footprint, this makes for a truly end-to-end solution trusted by Australia’s most demanding sectors.
YOUR COMPLIANCE PARTNER IN CRITICAL POWER
As standards evolve, so must the systems that underpin essential infrastructure. Intelepower offers a proactive path forward – delivering clarity, compliance, and technical certainty from day one.
Whether you're upgrading an ageing DC system or specifying infrastructure for new builds, Intelepower ensures your site is not only compliant, but future-ready.
Images: Intelepower/CYB
New standards are essential for projects where battery charger systems play a role in safety-related or critical operations.
Meet Noggin: Integrated Resilience Software for Critical
With threats to Australia’s critical infrastructure growing in frequency and complexity,
20 - 21 NOVEMBER 2025
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY
UNITING GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRY TO ACCELERATE HYDROGEN DEVELOPMENT
This groundbreaking event will bring together influential leaders and visionaries from the hydrogen industry on a global scale, providing a unique platform for collaboration and innovation.
Gathering 3,000+ global hydrogen experts and industry pioneers, the two-day event will feature a strategic summit, a dynamic exhibition hosting over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements, technologies, and solutions in the world of hydrogen.
Join us in Sydney as we pave the way to a sustainable future, exploring the limitless potential of hydrogen and fostering meaningful partnerships.
HEAR FROM WORLD LEADERS INCLUDING
DR. FIONA SIMON CEO Australian Hydrogen Council
ISAAC HINTON Head of Australia Intercontinental Energy
SAM MORILLON MD Siemens Energy
DAMIAN DWYER Director External Affairs Low Emission Technology Australia (LETA)
Don’t miss out on the industry event of the year. Register today at asia-hydrogen-summit.com
WITH THANKS TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS, AND EXHIBITORS
Mainmark’s new CEO, Peter Bierton, is no stranger to large-scale infrastructure demands.
With decades of leadership in civil, transport and utilities at companies like Downer and UGL, Peter Bierton is now steering the ground engineering company into what he sees as its next logical evolution: becoming a central player in asset preservation and ground engineering solutions, not just an innovator in proprietary products.
“Mainmark has been bold about bringing new solutions to market. Whether in response to natural disasters or infrastructure deterioration, it’s time to connect those innovations directly to the problems clients face daily,” Bierton says.
That means repositioning Mainmark from being viewed as a niche supplier of resin injection solutions to a strategic partner in infrastructure asset management. The message is particularly timely.
As Australia’s infrastructure ages, urbanisation intensifies, and climate stresses mount, public and private asset owners face increasing challenges in keeping critical assets operational and safe, without the budget blowouts and downtime that comes with full-scale replacements.
OPTIMISING ASSET MANAGEMENT
“Good asset management is about optimisation,” Bierton says.
“Getting the most out of the asset, ensuring dollars are spent wisely. Mainmark’s role is helping reduce not only the cost of remediation but also the cost of downtime.”
Mainmark’s suite of non-invasive solutions includes technologies such as Teretek® for ground improvement and re-levelling or Terefil®, an engineered foamed concrete used in void filling and temporary works. These solutions offer an alternative to traditional repair and allow work to be carried out under live conditions, minimising the need for closures or disruptions.
“It’s not just about mitigating repair costs,” Bierton notes, “it’s also about avoiding interruption.”
“Whether it’s a road, rail line or airport runway, the cost of shutting down operations can be enormous. Our solutions often remove that need entirely.”
From airports in Sydney to Tokyo, to remote highways and industrial facilities, Mainmark’s methods have been tested in high-stress, time-sensitive environments. The challenge now, Bierton says, is scaling those applications across broader sectors.
ENGINEERING TRUST IN NEW SOLUTIONS
Russell Deller, Mainmark’s Infrastructure Advisor, has seen firsthand how the industry’s perception can lag behind the capabilities of the technology.
“Even after 30 years in the market, we’re still perceived as new,” Deller says.
“There’s a noticeable awareness gap, particularly among some traditional segments of the engineering community.”
While younger engineers are often more open to innovative techniques, Deller observes that more experienced practitioners may take longer to embrace methods like resin injection, which represent a shift
from long-established, more invasive practices.
That conservatism is understandable, he says, but costly.
“Every year you delay intervention, the cost multiplies,” Deller says.
“For example, if we’re brought in when slab or pavement movement begins, the fix is straightforward. Wait until failure, and it might be three or four times more expensive.”
THE VALUE OF PREVENTION AND PRESERVATION
While both Deller and Bierton champion preventative maintenance, they acknowledge that many infrastructure managers are still playing catch-up.
“There’s no question prevention is better than a cure,” Bierton says, “but many networks are already beyond that point. Decades of underinvestment in preventative work means we’re now in reaction mode for many assets.”
Mainmark is advocating for its solutions to be built into government asset lifecycle strategies from the outset, embedding preservation as part of the infrastructure planning process, not as an emergency option.
“Whether it’s during construction or early operation, there’s huge
Mainmark’s suite of non-invasive technologies o er an alternative to traditional repair solutions.
Images: Mainmark.
benefit in including solutions like ours upfront,” Bierton says.
“It extends life, lowers long-term cost and reduces operational risk.”
APPLICATIONS ACROSS ROAD, RAIL, AND UTILITIES
Mainmark’s solutions have broad applications, but Bierton sees several infrastructure categories as particularly ready for transformation.
“In roads, we can address roughness and failed pavements, particularly on heavy-use corridors where downtime is a problem,” he says.
“In rail, we can realign bridge approaches, address settlement, and improve ballast performance. In utilities, we’re a natural fit for addressing ground movement under assets like pump stations.”
One recent project example involved sections of sinking concrete roadway on a busy motorway in Northern NSW.
These sections posed a significant safety hazard to motorists. During night roadworks, with one lane fully operational and the other closed for treatment, Mainmark performed ground improvement and level correction using Teretek resin injection.
The fast, non-invasive solution allowed the crew to stabilise and re-level the concrete roadway quickly, enabling the road to reopen immediately upon completion, minimising traffic disruption. This solution proved cost-effective and efficient compared to traditional replacement methods and ideal for high-traffic roadways.
Successful delivery of this project is part of the ongoing support that Mainmark provides in improving ride quality and extending the usable life of the road.
ENGINEERED FOAM CONCRETE: TEREFIL®
One of the most promising growth areas, Bierton believes, is Mainmark’s engineered foam concrete, Terefil.
“Compared to traditional concrete, Terefil offers exceptional volume yield per truckload, no compaction required, and less weight on surrounding structures,” he says.
“For large voids, culvert abandonments, or projects where low-density fill is required, it’s a game-changer.”
Bierton says he wants to see it adopted earlier in the design phase by developers, engineers, and utilities looking to control costs and performance from day one.
“There are jobs happening today where Terefil would save serious money and time,” Bierton says.
“But unless we’re at the table early, we can’t help.”
CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENT FOR GLOBAL GROWTH
With demand rising and market awareness growing, workforce capability is a critical focus.
“Training a Mainmark technician doesn’t happen overnight,” Bierton says.
“It takes years to be fully competent. But we have rigorous internal standards across our global footprint, and we’re investing in scalable training and engineering support.”
This includes not just field capability, but engineering research and development as well – developing new formulations, improving application techniques, and supporting custom solutions in diverse geotechnical contexts.
Mainmark’s ambitions extend beyond Australasia, the United Kingdom and Japan, but Bierton is adamant about maintaining local responsiveness.
“You need the right people in the right places,” he says.
“That means careful planning and having a structure that supports consistency and flexibility.”
For him, global growth does not mean centralisation, it means sharing innovation while keeping execution local.
LOOKING AHEAD
Over the next 12 months, Bierton’s focus will be threefold: stabilising operating performance, resetting technology and growth strategy, and repositioning the Mainmark brand.
“We’re already known for innovation,” he says.
“Now we want to be recognised as the go-to ground engineering partner for asset preservation. Not just a company with smart products, but a solutions provider for infrastructure challenges.”
He wants asset managers, councils and contractors to think of Mainmark early, not just when things go wrong.
“The misconception,” Bierton says, “is that asset rehabilitation must be disruptive and expensive. It doesn’t have to be. The solutions exist – you just need to know they’re there.”
Mainmark CEO, Peter Beirton.
Mainmark is repositioning, from a niche supplier of resin injection solutions, to a strategic partner in asset management.
Mainmark solutions are suited for roads, rail or even airport runways.
BIG SAVINGS WITH CLEAN AIR
Sustainable
Camfil’s energy-efficient filters are designed to lower energy use, reduce CO2 emissions, and support your ESG goals
Performance
Longer filter life, consistent efficiency, and reduced energy use all help deliver the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO)
Certified
Tested to ISO 16890 and certified by Eurovent to ensure optimal filter and system performance—delivering clean air with proven, long-term results
As facility owners face increasingly complex fi nancial challenges in asset management, life cycle cost of air filtration systems presents a key opportunity for long-term savings.
When buying a part, system or asset to be used in any operation, the upfront cost is often the primary focus. But managers that look beyond the initial purchase price of infrastructure components – like air filtration systems, building materials, and mechanical equipment – will see enormous cost reductions.
The financial implications are substantial. As Camfil Australia's Sustainability and Efficiency Specialist Philipp Schluter explained, in air filtration alone, fan energy represents up to 70 per cent of total operational costs. A seemingly economical $60 filtration solution could cost significantly more over its lifetime compared to a $120 advanced filter.
“If my filter lasts longer and has a lower pressure drop – so it poses less resistance to my fan over its lifetime – then I can reduce that energy cost by half or more,” Schluter said.
"Additionally, with a cheaper option you might replace a filter three or four times, whereas a more advanced filter might require replacement only once, reducing labour costs and waste.”
STRATEGIC ASSET SELECTION
Asset owners stand to save thousands of dollars through strategic asset selection.
Schluter said that choosing an advanced single-stage filter over a cheaper and less effective two-stage filtration solution can save in the order of $500 in energy costs per filter over a year. When scaled across multiple air handlers, or even buildings, these savings become transformative.
“Think of light bulbs. You can buy an incandescent light bulb for 50 cents, and it chews through 80 watts of power. Or you can buy an LED light bulb for $5 but it only uses ten watts of power. Your incandescent light bulb lasts for 2000 hours, and your LED light bulb lasts for 10,000 hours. Obviously, everybody has chosen LED light bulbs, because we see them, and they look pretty, and they're front of mind," he said.
“Now look at the humble air filter. It's stuck in a duct. It's dirty, it's messy. Nobody wants to think about it, but in terms of energy, labour and waste cost savings, it's exactly the same thing.”
AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS PUSHING EFFICIENCY
Emerging Australian standards are pushing towards more sophisticated infrastructure management. New regulations require tighter air filtration and more energy-efficient systems, creating an imperative for facility managers to reassess their asset procurement strategies.
"The new standards require far tighter filtration of air in buildings," Schluter explained.
"Where previous solutions were sufficient, new technologies now offer opportunities to simultaneously improve filtration and energy efficiency."
Key considerations for asset managers include:
· Prioritising life cycle cost analysis over initial purchase price
· Investing in advanced, long-lasting infrastructure technologies
· Evaluating assets based on longterm operational costs
· Considering environmental and sustainability impacts
The broader implications extend beyond immediate financial savings. Sustainable infrastructure
represents a commitment to community well-being, reducing long-term environmental impact and demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
"Clean air is a human right," Schluter said.
CREATING VALUE
Tools like Eurovent energy ratings, Environmental Product Disclosure Statements, and comprehensive performance testing provide managers with robust frameworks for making informed decisions. These resources allow them to move beyond traditional procurement approaches, transforming
infrastructure investment from a cost centre to a strategic opportunity.
Critically, many asset owners remain unaware of the potential savings.
“In Europe, energy-saving technologies have been standard for a decade," Schluter said, “while Australia is just beginning to catch up... this represents a significant opportunity for forward-thinking managers to lead in efficient, sustainable infrastructure management.”
The future of asset management isn't about cutting costs – it's about creating value. By embracing life
cycle cost analysis, asset owners can develop more resilient, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure that serves communities more effectively and economically.
"Our role is to create awareness and make people understand the importance of strategic, long-term asset management."
This means looking beyond the immediate price tag and investing in solutions that deliver value for decades to come.
To find out more, visit camfil.com.
Camfil is working to increase awareness of the importance of strategic, long-term asset management.
The initial price of air filtration systems can give way to enormous cost reductions.
Power You Can Prove
Designed for Compliance. Built for Critical Infrastructure.
Intelepower’s DC systems are engineered to meet and exceed the new AS4044:2024 standard — no retrofitting required. With a national footprint and over 30 years of experience powering Australia and New Zealand’s essential infrastructure, we deliver trusted power that performs, every time.
AS4044:2024 compliant battery charger and DC systems
Built-in asset management and audit-ready documentation
Site-specific design and system commissioning
ISO-certified installation and lifecycle support
End-to-end project support from planning to maintenance
Armouring Australia’s critical data infrastructure
As Australia’s cities grow and infrastructure expands underground, the demand for durable, high-bandwidth cabling is only increasing.
To keep critical systems running, Australia needs fibre cables that can survive some of the world’s harshest environments.
Connectivity infrastructure is a vital part of modern life. Many large infrastructure assets use or accommodate data networks, for traffic monitoring, video surveillance, or telecommunications.
To ensure the continued operability of these networks, asset managers must choose a fibre cable option that can withstand harsh conditions and demanding applications to meet the needs of asset users and owners.
Garland, a brand owned by Madison Express, has been providing armoured fibre cables engineered to withstand the country’s harshest environments for years.
Madison Express National Product Manager, George Karanikolaou, explained that Garland’s journey into the fibre optic market began over a decade ago.
“About 10 or 11 years ago, we decided to start progressing into the optical fibre market. Before then, we were predominantly a copper cable supplier, but we could see that fibre optic was a growth area,” Karanikolaou said.
Initially, Garland introduced products without armouring, but real-world challenges soon prompted a shift.
“For a lot of outdoor applications, there’s a real concern over rodents, particularly for infrastructure. The cables are placed in fairly large conduits and rodents like to run up and down these conduits, and they want to chew stuff, so we found the need to start to introduce a range of armoured cables for those applications.”
BUILT FOR THE REAL WORLD
Today, Garland’s armoured cables are found beside roads, rail corridors, and increasingly in tunnels; supporting high-bandwidth data networks for monitoring, automation and communications.
“There’s a big demand these days for monitoring of road systems and rail systems. This is all data-related monitoring, so they need cables to carry that data,” Karanikolaou said.
“Copper cables can carry data, but you’re limited by distance. Fibre optic
is the preferred way to go, and the bandwidth of it is much larger too.
He said that with Australian cities growing, the ability to build aboveground roads is getting more and more limited.
“There are now more and more tunnels getting built, so we also have a range of armoured cables that are designed specifically for tunnels,” Karanikolaou said.
“We’re constantly developing new products to meet demands in new areas.”
STEEL VS. NON-METALLIC
Garland offers both steel wire armoured and non-metallic armoured fibre products. The choice depends largely on the environment.
“Both steel wire and non-metallic armour provide protection against rodents. The steel is considered the best form of rodent protection. But we’ve also had our non-metallic fibre cables tested quite heavily against rodent attack, and they’ve been found to pass,” Karanikolaou said.
Optical cables have many advantages over copper, but they need to be properly protected.
Image: alice_photo/stock.adobe.com
While steel armouring provides the most reliable protection against pesky pests, it presents unique challenges of its own.
“The problem with steel is, if you then put that cable next to a power cable, you’re going to induce a voltage on the steel. So that means that the steel’s got to be grounded at both ends of the cable which can be difficult. If you don’t ground it, then there’s a danger that there’ll be a voltage on the cable and that can cause problems in the system or be a safety hazard," Karanikolaou said.
“By having non-metallic protection, you can avoid this issue entirely. It’s important to choose the type of armour based on the needs and conditions of the specific network.”
COMMITTED TO QUALITY AND INNOVATION
Karanikolaou explained that Garland’s cables are tested against the Australian standard for rodent protection.
“That’s quite a stringent and difficult to meet standard. And we’ve shown that we can pass that.”
Garland’s cable armour has also been tested and certified to IEC standards for fire resistance and circuit integrity, and are water-blocked, UV-stabilised and have improved crush and impact resistance.
Karanikolaou said that the future of Garland’s armoured cables is all about innovation.
“We’re always working on trying to keep the size of the cable smaller. If you can reduce the amount of space that the cable takes up in the conduit, and still keep the bandwidth, then you get better flexibility of the installation which can make things much less costly and time consuming.”
Garland’s approach is shaped by a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
“We care for the environment. We want to make sure people are safe,” Karanikolaou said.
SMARTER, SAFER CABLES FOR COMPLEX ENVIRONMENTS
Garland’s ongoing product development responds directly to the practical challenges faced by infrastructure owners and contractors.
From tunnelling projects to road upgrades, demand is growing for compact, customisable cables that integrate safety features without compromising performance.
“Conduit space is always at a premium,” Karanikolaou said.
“So we’re continually refining our designs to reduce the overall cable size while maintaining the bandwidth. That not only saves space – it makes installation quicker and more flexible.”
In Australia’s harsher climates and remote zones, Garland’s armoured fibre products are engineered with UV-stabilised jackets, impact resistance, and termite barriers. Even cockatoos, vandals and angle grinders are considered in the design.
Karanikolaou also pointed to the unique testing regime the company undertakes.
“We’ve tested our cables to Australian standards for rodent protection – and passed. For firerated cables, we follow international IEC standards, because the local ones don’t fully apply to optical fibre,” he said.
“If there’s no local benchmark, we’ll always source an appropriate international one. We want our customers to have confidence
backed by test results, not just claims.”
Garland’s fire-rated range is expanding, driven by stricter building requirements and tunnel safety specifications.
“If the cable is part of an alarm system in a tunnel, it needs to function under fire conditions,” he said.
“We’re seeing growing demand for that.”
BUILDING FOR WHAT’S NEXT Karanikolaou said Garland’s customers often influence the product roadmap. In some cases, a custom cable developed for a specific project ends up becoming part of the standard range.
“If we build something bespoke and we start getting repeated requests for it, that’s our signal that it should be standard,” he said.
The trend toward fibre is also reshaping how infrastructure projects are planned and delivered. Many clients now install more fibres than they immediately need – so-called “dark fibre” – to futureproof their networks.
“Swapping out electronics is easy. Replacing buried cable isn’t. So if you think you need 40 fibres now, it makes sense to install 96 and use the rest when demand increases,” he said.
Critical to transport authorities, utilities, and major infrastructure contractors, Garland’s armoured cables are set to play a vital role in Australia’s infrastructure for years to come.
For more information, visit madisonexpress.com.au/ brands/garland-cables
Cutting complexity, boosting confidence in sustainability tools
The Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) is giving its flagship Design and As Built Rating Tool a major tune-up.
The Infrastructure
Sustainability Council (ISC)’s rating tool Version 2.2, due to go on display in August 2025, reflects an ambition to make the tool simpler, smarter, and better aligned with the practical realities of delivering infrastructure in Australia.
The IS Design and As Built Rating Tool is a nationally recognised framework used to assess and benchmark the sustainability performance of major infrastructure projects across their design and construction phases.
For ISC CEO Toby Kent, the changes are overdue.
“Looking back a few years, we were being told by the industry that version 1.2 was getting too easy to achieve. It had ceased to really drive the industry,” he said.
That situation, which reflected a positive movement in enhanced sustainability performance across the sector, led to the development of v2.1, designed to further lift performance standards. However, this introduced new issues.
“We found that while [v2.1] was meeting its intent, it also
brought an increasing amount of administrative burden,” Kent said.
“Unintended consequences of trying to tighten the procedures.”
The result was a growing list of “must” statements, complex documentation, and increased reliance on consultants, with associated costs.
For many project teams, sustainability ratings were becoming a chore. Version 2.2 aims to shift that trajectory.
SMOOTHING THE EDGES
Changes for v2.2 are what Kent describes as “knocking off the edges to reduce the friction around applying the tool.”
More than 100 mandatory ‘must’ statements have been removed, documentation has been streamlined, and guidance is clearer.
Importantly, the ISC insists it’s not backing away from rigour.
“We are maintaining the rigour of sustainability performance, while enabling adoption of the tool to be that much easier,” Kent said.
The changes are also about reducing cost of adoption, particularly the indirect costs of time and additional resources some felt were needed to meet the old criteria. These are central considerations for any project.
The revised tool, Kent said, is designed to make the application “as affordable as possible, while supporting projects to meet increasing regulatory demands for transparency and mandated reporting.”
A SCALPEL, NOT A SLEDGEHAMMER
For those already familiar with v2.1, the shift to 2.2 should feel like a natural progression.
“We've been really careful not to just throw everything out,” Kent said.
“The changes in and of themselves are quite measured. But in aggregate they are actually going to be really profound.”
Part of the uplift includes new scalability for different sized projects. Mid-sized projects – those between $100 million and $500
million – will now be able to use a tailored credit set, with up to 30 per cent fewer requirements.
This approach was informed by lessons from ISC’s Essentials Rating Tool, which is designed for smaller projects in the $5 million to $100 million range.
“Projects of that size will be able to apply a scaling model,” Kent explained, “so they might be doing up to about 30 per cent fewer credits than in the past.”
It is a step towards broadening the appeal of IS ratings, particularly for sectors beyond transport and mega-projects.
“That would be the third driver,”
Kent said, referring to v2.2’s goals: “Ease of take-up, affordability, and expanding adoption across sectors.”
VERIFICATION REIMAGINED
The rating tool is not the only element under revision.
The independent verification model that underpins ISC ratings has also had a rethink, especially in response to long-standing concerns around feedback consistency and timing.
The current two-verifier model is being replaced with a streamlined system: one external verifier, supported by a newly established internal quality control function.
This in-house team will not verify projects directly, but will review all verification decisions to ensure they align with ISC’s technical manual and are consistent across the board.
“The in-house function is not a verification function, per se,” Kent clarified.
“The independent element is conducted by the independent verifier. The in-house role is to ensure that verification is
consistent, so that the ultimate verification outcome doesn't vary by provider.”
For project teams, that means clearer expectations and fewer surprises.
“We became aware that a number of developers or constructors were rather overinvesting because they weren’t sure what the verification outcome was going to be,” Kent said.
“This is going to make for much clearer and predictable outcomes.”
The Council piloted the new model through Essentials tool, as well as running a shadow process to further validate the proposed changes. The results confirmed discrepancies in verifier decisions and supported the move to a more controlled, consistent process.
ISO ALIGNMENT AND RISK LENS
Another major shift in v2.2 is the tool’s alignment with ISO 31000, the international standard for risk management.
“There’s a direct alignment between what many of our users would be using for other parts of managing their business,” Kent said.
“So having alignment between those two specifically is really important and helpful.”
The benefits are practical.
“If organisations are familiar with ISO 31000, why wouldn’t we try to make sure there’s alignment? It reduces confusion. It makes it easier for our project managers to provide consistent feedback. It also probably means they get asked for slightly less clarification,” Kent said.
Beyond ISO, ISC is working to ensure v2.2 plays nicely with a range of both national and international frameworks.
CLEARING BOTTLENECKS
Another pain point ISC aims to solve is verification delays, which are sometimes triggered when projects finish a phase and suddenly require rating sign-off, only to find that two independent verifiers are not immediately available.
With the new model, ISC’s internal team will be on standby.
“So long as we are given just a few weeks’ notice our team will be on hand,” Kent said.
Turnaround times are being monitored as well.
While exact figures remain to be seen, Kent suggested that there is likely to be “a material reduction in the amount of information gathering and administration as a result of the 2.2 amendments and the verification changes.”
CULTURE SHIFT AND COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT
Throughout the v2.2 redesign, ISC put stakeholder feedback at the centre. More than 70 per cent of feasible suggestions were adopted into the new version.
Kent was struck by the tone of the engagement.
“For an industry that sometimes is represented in the media as a little bit coarse, the respect and genuine collegiality is really impressive,” he said.
“It’s quite a nice surprise.”
Another lesson was on the importance of closing the loop.
“We always felt that we were constantly communicating [but] people didn’t necessarily feel that we were,” Kent said.
“So this time, we’ve been confirming what we’ve heard, and hopefully bringing people slightly better along the journey.”
TRANSITION READY
Support for the shift to v2.2 will include updated training materials, revised Infrastructure Sustainability Accredited Professional (ISAP) curriculum, transition guides, webinars, and hands-on help from ISC project managers.
The aim is to ensure that users of the existing 2.1 tool can switch mid-project if they choose.
“We’re really, really careful about ensuring that they can do that,” Kent said.
“There’s no material change in performance expectation so they can just transition straight across.”
For those still on the fence, Kent keeps it simple.
“IS ratings have been shown over time to improve sustainability performance,” he said.
“We’re now better able to show cost savings where a rating is applied versus where it isn’t.”
ISC’s overhaul is as much about shifting culture as shifting criteria.
With v2.2, the Council is attempting to lower the bureaucratic barrier while raising confidence in the rating’s relevance and impact for a sector under pressure to deliver.
Extending infrastructure lifespan through smarter remediation
Across Australia, billions of dollars are spent each year on new infrastructure projects, driving economic growth and creating jobs. However, it is equally critical to extend the life of existing assets through proper maintenance – even if it doesn’t always capture the same headlines.
As populations grow and urban areas expand, demand on infrastructure intensifies. Bridges, tunnels, drainage systems, and culverts must handle heavier traffic and endure more extreme weather events, placing them under greater stress and shortening their effective lifespan.
Every asset, regardless of size or construction, is designed with a finite lifespan in mind. Over time, degradation is caused by mechanical fatigue, physical wear, chemical exposure, and changes in environmental and geological conditions, such as soil movement or rising groundwater levels beneath a structure.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE
If routine maintenance isn’t planned and carried out, assets can fail unexpectedly, leading to costly repairs or even complete replacement. Adopting a proactive approach to remediation using engineered solutions is essential to extending the design life of vital infrastructure while reducing lifecycle costs.
All physical infrastructure inevitably deteriorates over time, reducing their performance, safety and functionality. As structures age, asset managers are faced with decisions on how best to intervene. The primary options include:
· Repair, offering a temporary fix
· Rehabilitation, which restores the asset and extends its service life
· Replacement, typically involving the highest expenditure and longest downtime
Rehabilitation offers a cost-effective middle ground. It restores a ssets
to optimal working condition, significantly extending their useful life beyond what’s possible with simple repairs. It also reduces costs compared to full replacement and limits inconvenience, downtime, and environmental impacts associated with manufacturing new materials.
TAILORED AND ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS
Rectify Group specialises in ground remediation, concrete rehabilitation, and advanced waterproofing technologies tailored to each site’s needs. These services are designed to extend the service life of critical infrastructure assets using minimally-disruptive, costeffective, and environmentallyconscious methods.
Rectify specialises in ground remediation and strengthening to address soil weaknesses; concrete rehabilitation to repair spalling, cracks, and structural fatigue; and water ingress control, stopping leaks in pits, basements, tunnels and lift shafts through high-pressure polyurethane or acrylic resin injection and coatings.
Choosing the correct engineered solution is key. By selecting and applying exactly what is needed, Rectify ensures that rehabilitation efforts maximise both longevity and performance. This careful approach avoids premature failures that can arise from inappropriate product choices.
DEFECT RECTIFICATION WORKS
Rectify group was engaged to remediate a mid-1970’s dual lane elevated road bridge with a history of pavement deflection and showing signs of structural
fatigue. Joint failure had led to water penetration from the deck that caused consolidation and volume loss below the approach slabs and containment batter. Differential movement had contributed to cracking of the reinforced concrete piles and corrosion had resulted in delamination of the abutment beam. Attenuation of the fill batter had promoted voiding beneath the cantilever kerb and pedestrian walkway.
To address these issues, Rectify Group were engaged to review the structural concerns of the bridge elements and improve the trafficability for road users. By drawing on its wealth of knowledge and experience, the team proposed a two-week campaign involving ground remediation and concrete repair. Having a suite of engineered structural polyurethane resins allowed selection of the appropriate material for void fill, consolidation and compaction. To limit traffic disruption, night works were proposed while working within the road corridor.
All repairs adhered to relevant engineering specifications and underwent testing to verify compliance. Reinforced piles and spalled sections of the abutment beam were repaired to restore full structural capacity.
Ground remediation involved a preliminary abutment under-seal prior to void filling and compaction of sub-grade beneath both bridge approach slabs and kerb. Treatment below the poorly performing flexible road pavement achieved noticeable improvement, and structural stabilisation of the protective batter was also achieved.
THE ROLE OF RECTIFY GROUP
Rectify Group partners with asset owners, councils, and contractors to deliver a range of engineered remediation solutions. Its tailored approach helps asset managers complete scheduled maintenance works faster and more economically than traditional methods. By proactively addressing underlying issues – including the often-hidden weaknesses in supporting ground –Rectify extends asset life, protects investments, and ensures safe, reliable infrastructure.
Whether it’s stabilising the ground beneath a bridge abutment, sealing leaks in a water tank, or rehabilitating concrete structures nearing the end of their expected lifecycle, Rectify Group’s solutions are made-tomeasure to meet each project’s unique demands.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A strategic approach to asset maintenance, prioritising rehabilitation and ground-structure solutions, safeguards infrastructure investments and reduces the risk of costly emergency repairs or complete replacements. In doing so, it ensures Australia’s infrastructure continues to support growing communities for decades to come.
To find out more, visit rectify.com.au.
Images: Rectify Group
Rectify Group helps asset managers complete scheduled maintenance works faster and more economically.
GARLAND
Armoured Optical Fibre Cable
GARLAND announces the expansion of its armoured optical fibre portfolio
Designed for environments vulnerable to rodent and termite damage, GARLAND’s Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) armoured optical fibre cables also allow safe installation near power lines and in lightning-prone areas.
The GLT-AS series features a PE/Nylon jacket, FRP armour, and a termite-resistant nylon barrier. UV-stabilised and water-blocked, it’s ideal for direct burial and harsh outdoor conditions.
The GLT-AZB series adds a second UV-stabilised Nylon jacket, offering enhanced protection and TMR compliance, with proven rodent resistance through extensive testing.
The new GLT-GS series delivers up to 30% space savings and a 20% reduction in bend radius — perfect for space-constrained installations.
9 Rodent and termite resistant with proven FRP (GRP) rodent protection
9 Termite barrier underneath rodent barrier for extra reassurance
9 Non metallic armoured, UV stabilised outdoor cable
9 Water blocked for underground use and direct burial suitable
9 Free from dangerous, harmful or environmentally damaging chemical additives
9 Optional low friction nylon coating
9 Smaller diameter version also available
Garland has been manufacturing quality cables for over 50 years. We’re owned, made and distributed by Madison Express, so get in touch with our friendly team for bespoke solutions and quality cable, made to last.
How solar streetlights can drive road safety
In remote parts of Australia where grid access is scarce, solar street lighting is helping reduce risk, increase visibility, and provide essential infrastructure with minimal environmental footprint.
At the forefront of this transformation is Orca Solar Lighting, whose locally engineered, autonomous systems are being used by councils and road agencies to light intersections, car parks and community precincts across the country.
For Jamie Janides, General Manager of Orca Solar Lighting, the shift is long overdue.
“We can supply lights in areas where there’s no infrastructure for 240-volt mains power,” he says.
“A lot of the intersections we work on are high-risk zones. By illuminating those black spots, we help make the roads safer – not just for drivers, but for the whole community.”
From the Kimberley to the outer suburbs of Melbourne, Orca’s solutions are being used by state road authorities including Main Roads WA, TMR QLD, VicRoads,
and Transport for NSW. Their appeal lies in flexibility and performance, particularly in challenging environments.
“Solar lighting performs no different to a normal 240-volt luminaire,” Janides says.
“In fact, with our technology, we can transform a regular grid-powered light into a solar version through a simple change in the driver setup.”
DESIGNING FOR DIFFERENCE
While solar lighting might seem plug-and-play, the reality is far more nuanced. Sun does not shine equally in Darwin and Dandenong, which is why, according to Janides, every Orca system is custom-designed for its location using NASA solar trajectory data, climate modelling, and shading assessments.
“What we supply in Tully, Queensland, is very different to what we’d install in Melbourne,” he says.
“We track the path of the sun, adjust the tilt of the solar panels, and build the battery configuration to suit local weather conditions – rainfall, cloud cover, even latitude.”
This approach allows Orca to guarantee a minimum of four days of battery autonomy on every system.
“We might have different-sized panels, more battery capacity or a different pole configuration, but we always over-engineer it,” Janides says.
“We say four days, but it’s often more like four and a half.”
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CHEMISTRY
One of Orca’s technical points of difference lies in its choice of batteries. While lithium is a common industry default, Janides says Orca prefers locally made gel batteries for most large-scale road applications.
“Gel batteries are better suited to Australian conditions. They won’t overheat, and they allow us to get the four days of autonomy more reliably,” he says.
“They're made here in New South Wales, and they're engineered for the depth-of-discharge needs we’re designing for.”
Lithium batteries still have a place in some smaller or less demanding
Solar lighting o ers illumination without the trenching, diesel or complexity of traditional streetlights.
Images:
Orca
Solar Lighting
projects, but for infrastructuregrade lighting in remote or critical areas, Janides says gel is the clear winner.
NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL
Perhaps the most persistent myth in solar lighting, Janides says, is the belief that one solution fits all.
“That’s the misconception. People think you can just pick a light off the shelf and it’ll work everywhere. But if you try to use the same system in Noosa and then in Tully, it’s going to fail,” he says.
“We insist on doing a full lighting design for every project.”
Orca provides these designs free of charge as part of its presale service, allowing engineers and councils to properly scope lighting levels, shading risks, solar exposure, and compliance with standards.
“You can’t skip that step. It’s what ensures the product will actually perform,” he says.
BUILT FOR COMPLIANCE, DESIGNED FOR EXTREMES
Unlike many mass-market systems, Orca’s products are designed and assembled in Australia to meet local compliance and engineering standards.
“All our poles are certified. The foundation cages are signed off. We use only GM poles and qualityassured Australian suppliers,” says Janides.
“Once you start adding solar panels to a pole, it becomes a wind sail, so we need to make sure it doesn’t blow away in a cyclone.”
They are tested in the toughest conditions too.
“In the recent Gold Coast cyclone, a lot of other suppliers took their lights down. Ours stayed up – and not one was damaged,” Janides says.
NOT JUST FOR THE OUTBACK
While Orca has built a reputation for its work in remote and regional locations, Janides says the technology is increasingly being adopted in built-up areas too, driven by sustainability goals, cost savings, and practical constraints.
“One example is Warwick’s CBD upgrade in the Southern Downs. Instead of using 240-volt lighting, they installed 48 solar poles,” he says.
“It reduced their energy bills and avoided trenching costs.”
Solar lighting is also gaining traction in airports, car parks and public safety precincts where trenching through concrete or tarmac is too expensive or disruptive.
“We can install lights on concrete blocks, with zero running cost, no cabling, and no maintenance beyond routine checks,” Janides says.
CRIME DETERRENCE AND COMMUNITY SAFETY
In urban settings, one of the key benefits of solar lighting is its role in reducing crime and improving perceived safety.
“There’s no hard data, but we get calls from people who feel unsafe – like a car hire company in Townsville who said their fleet was getting stripped overnight,” Janides says.
“Once they installed solar lights, it made a real difference. Even if it’s just a deterrent, that visibility can mean a lot.”
Though opinions on the safety impact of lighting vary, Janides maintains that lighting builds confidence.
“People feel safer in lit areas. It’s common sense. And when it’s solar, you can put that lighting exactly where it’s needed, without worrying about the grid,” he says.
Orca’s products aren’t limited to permanent fixtures either. Its temporary solar lighting systems are used on civil construction sites and roadworks, offering an alternative to noisy, fuel-reliant generators.
“We work with Civil Contractors Federation members all over NSW and Queensland,” says Janides.
“We supply lighting on concrete blocks that can be moved around site, taken to the next job, and run purely on solar. No diesel, no emissions.”
THE KEY GUARANTEE
An often-misunderstood distinction Janides wants to clarify is the difference between a warranty and a performance guarantee.
“Warranty just covers the components. A performance guarantee means we’re standing behind how the product will work in that specific location,” he explains.
“Because we engineer each solution to be fit for purpose, we can confidently say it’ll do the job.”
He says this model prioritises performance over flash – backed by rigorous design, solid engineering and a deep understanding of Australian conditions.
“We manufacture and assemble everything in Australia for our larger projects. It’s all done locally, for local needs,” Janides says.
Converge Expo brings together industry leaders across the municipal, civil and commercial construction sectors who are change makers shaping Australia’s future infrastructure.
17–18 SEPTEMBER 2025
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Simplifying compliance with CodeMark certification
As sustainable innovation gains prominence across the built environment, the pressure to deliver designs that meet both performance expectations and compliance requirements remains a constant focus for design and construction engineers.
For new sustainable materials to be seen as viable alternatives to conventional options, they must align with established engineering practices and regulatory frameworks. However, this can present compliance challenges and stall the progress of sustainable construction across the broader industry.
CodeMark Certificates of Conformity – like those awarded to SENSE 600®, a high-strength, lower embodied carbon reinforcing steel from the SENSE Solutions® range – provide a clear, pre-assessed compliance route that helps streamline both the design and approval process.
DESIGNED FOR ALIGNMENT, NOT COMPLEXITY
SENSE 600® is manufactured from 100 per cent scrap steel and delivers up to 39 per cent lower embodied carbon while using 16.7 per cent less raw material than InfraBuild’s 500N reinforcing steel alternative.
From a compliance standpoint, it adheres to well-established frameworks and is produced in accordance with AS/NZS 4671 –Steel Reinforcing Materials, and is supported by Mill certificates and JAS-ANZ accredited Thirdparty certification. This ensures conformance with the same standards used for traditional 500 MPa steels.
It can be designed and specified using the same Australian Standards:
· AS 3600 Steel Structures
· AS 5100.5 Bridge Design: Part 5 Concrete
· AS 2159 Piling – design and installation
Sustainable innovations do not have to disrupt engineering or construction workflows.
Image:
InfraBuild
From a design perspective, there are no changes to software or workflows. Existing structural modelling platforms support the use of SENSE 600® in the same way as 500 MPa steel.
For infrastructure projects, where the National Construction Code (NCC) does not apply, this compatibility with Australian Standards ensures engineers can proceed with confidence.
THE ROLE OF CODEMARK FOR BUILDING APPLICATIONS
In building construction where compliance with the NCC and the Building Code of Australia (Volumes 1 and 2) is required, SENSE 600® also benefits from CodeMark Certificates of Conformity for specific applications, including longitudinal reinforcement and fitments in reinforced concrete columns.
“We developed SENSE 600® not just as a sustainable alternative, but as a drop-in solution,” explains Anthony Ng, Engineering Solutions Manager.
“CodeMark supports this by providing a formally pre-assessed compliance pathway that allows engineers to produce conforming designs using substitution tables. CodeMark does not alter the underlying standards. It removes the need for significant additional work where a higher-strength bar might otherwise trigger redesign or further review.”
PROVIDING
PRACTICAL VALUE IN DOCUMENTATION & DESIGN
The value of CodeMark becomes especially clear in two common design scenarios:
1. Fitment Substitution
SENSE 600® can be directly substituted for 500 MPa fitments, with equivalent load capacity, without redesign, provided the substitution follows the parameters outlined in the CodeMark certificate. This reduces documentation burden and streamlines coordination across the design team.
2. Longitudinal Column Bars
The higher yield strength of SENSE 600® enables more efficient reinforcement layouts, meaning less steel for the same structural performance. CodeMark formalises this through approved equivalency guidance, enabling engineers to realise efficiencies within a clearly defined compliance framework.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION INTO EXISTING WORKFLOWS
One of the key concerns with new sustainable innovations is that they may disrupt established engineering or construction workflows. SENSE 600® was specifically developed to overcome this common challenge.
SENSE 600® requires no change in how engineers approach modelling, detailing or certification. The compliance pathway is not only equivalent to traditional reinforcement – it is, in many cases, simplified by the CodeMark Certificates of Conformity.
This approach empowers engineers to progress within the frameworks they know and trust, while still delivering on lowercarbon objectives.
SIMPLIFYING COMPLIANCE. SUPPORTED BY STANDARDS.
With its strength, sustainability, and standards alignment, SENSE 600® is simplifying and expediting the pathway to building and infrastructure compliance through Codemark conformity.
For infrastructure design, it complies fully with the relevant Australian Standards. In building applications, CodeMark certification provides an additional level of clarity – removing doubt, simplifying documentation, and enabling efficient substitution.
For engineers, certifiers and specifiers, the message is clear: SENSE 600® offers a confident compliance pathway backed by certification – not complexity.
CodeMark certification removes doubt, simplifies documentation, and enables e cient substitution.
Rating breakthrough puts sustainability on the tarmac
Perth Airport’s Terminal Two (T2) Apron Expansion and Aviation Support Precinct (ASP) has become a benchmark for sustainable aviation infrastructure in Australia.
Recent works at Perth Airport are technically ambitious, logistically complex, and now recognised with an Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Essentials Design Rating.
The design phase for the $80 million project was completed in May 2025 and Stage One civil works have been completed. It is the first airport development to earn the IS Essentials Design Rating under the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s (ISC) v2.1 framework.
Delivered by Perth Airport’s property team Skyfields, in collaboration with GHD and West Coast Civil, the works are central to the airport’s broader consolidation and growth strategy.
BOOSTING REGIONAL AVIATION CAPACITY
The works support Perth Airport’s plan to consolidate all commercial operations within its Central Airport Precinct. This includes building new apron space for Terminal Two to meet growing demand for overnight aircraft parking – particularly from resourcebased and regional charter flights.
“There are currently 38 overnight aircraft parking positions at T2,” said Perth Airport Acting CEO Kate Holsgrove at the project’s start.
“Based on the demand of our airline partners, we will deliver an additional six remote parking positions by early next year and we are also looking at delivering an additional 11 positions, providing 55 parking positions for T2
in the future – providing a 45 per cent increase in capacity.”
The adjacent Aviation Support Precinct is designed to co-locate vital services such as ground handling, freight logistics, catering, and aircraft maintenance.
SUSTAINABILITY BY DESIGN, NOT JUST DELIVERY
Sustainability considerations were embedded from day one. The IS Essentials framework aided this goal by providing a systematic approach to improving the project's resource, water, and energy efficiency.
“IS Essentials helped ensure resource efficiency and carbon reduction were front and centre for this project,” said Angie Young, Perth
Images:
Perth Airport
For the fi rst time, an airport project has earned an IS Council Essential Design Rating.
“It led to smart choices to cut resource use and construction energy. It also opened the door for contractors to gain valuable experience in delivering sustainable outcomes.”
Among the headline results: the project team expects a 15 per cent reduction in embodied emissions – equating to 820 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent – through measures such as reusing existing fill, retaining lower pavement layers, and using recycled crumbed rubber in place of virgin asphalt.
Water efficiency was also targeted. By using dewatering water and drainage from the airport estate, the project is expected to conserve more than 57,000 kilolitres of potable water across construction activities like dust suppression and compaction.
SMART SYSTEMS AND LONG-TERM THINKING
The team also embraced energy modelling and enhanced operational design upgrades.
Site offices will be powered by solar generation and on-site batteries, substituting an estimated 137,500 litres of diesel fuel. Motion-sensor lighting in new facilities like the gatehouse will drive down energy demand after construction.
The project further included climate resilience planning out to 2090. High-risk climate hazards were modelled and analysed, with mitigation measures incorporated into asset design.
West Coast Civil, the lead civil contractor, not only implemented new sustainability practices but also contributed to industry culture, including promoting mental health awareness on-site in partnership with the Happiness Co Foundation.
“Using IS Essentials provided a clear, structured path for integrating sustainability into every decision,” said GHD Sustainability Consultant Nikita Worthington.
“It encouraged collaboration across teams, promoting innovation and smarter choices like
reduced pavement thickness and alternative water sourcing.”
A TEMPLATE FOR FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURE
The benefits of the rating process extend beyond this single project. Lessons learned are already informing other Skyfields initiatives, from procurement standards to lifecycle cost assessments.
“The use of IS Essentials for this project at Perth Airport has provided tangible emission reductions through the project but also provided solid lessons we can carry over to future projects,” Young said.
The ISC sees it as a sign of things to come.
“This has been a really important project for ISC, both in terms of seeing the Essentials tool used well, but also as we look to increase our work with airports, ports, and non-traditional infrastructure, such as data centres,” said Toby Kent, CEO of ISC.
The IS Council is able to show tangible emissions reductions by using its rating tools.
Highways AU 2025: Real solutions for Australia’s transport future
Highways AU, Australia’s flagship event for roads, transport, and mobility, returns to Sydney this October. Held at the International Convention Centre from 15 to 16 October, the free event will bring together hundreds of professionals from across industry and government to explore the future of road infrastructure and transport systems.
From policy to procurement, safety to sustainability, the program is built around practical insights and strategies to help decision-makers deliver better outcomes on the ground.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
The 2025 program focuses on innovation, collaboration, and long-term thinking, offering more than 150 sessions across key themes including asset management, digital delivery, local government leadership, parking infrastructure, sustainability, and smarter project delivery.
Sessions will run across the following key areas:
· Asset maintenance and materials
· Smart cities and local government
· Construction and delivery
· Connected highways and ITS
· Parking and precinct planning
· Sustainability and circular economy
· Fleet and transport logistics
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The conference opens with a keynote session on the future of mobility, followed by a feature presentation on the world’s longest immersed tunnel – a major international project demonstrating innovation at scale.
A strong focus on safety runs across the Connected Highways and ITS stream, with panel sessions exploring how policy, infrastructure and local engagement are working together to reduce road trauma. Another key topic is how traffic management can be improved through smart technologies and sustainable approaches.
In the construction stream, delegates will hear how digital delivery is transforming the way infrastructure is designed, built and managed. Sessions will explore how digital engineering, automation and smarter procurement are helping projects stay on track, particularly in an environment of rising costs and growing demand.
SUPPORTING COUNCILS AND COMMUNITIES
A series of local governmentfocused sessions will look at practical strategies for safer streets, greener cities, and more connected communities. From enhancing local roads to enabling active transport, this stream highlights the role councils play in delivering critical infrastructure close to home.
Parking is also firmly on the agenda, with sessions exploring its role in traffic flow, safety, economic activity and local government planning. Panels will cover how councils are approaching parking infrastructure and how new technologies are changing how kerbside space is used.
SMART ASSET MANAGEMENT AND FUTURE-READY NETWORKS
The asset management stream provides a deep dive into technologies and strategies to extend road life and reduce
Highways AU is a chance to connect with, and hear from, industry leaders and innovators.
whole-of-life costs. Panels will discuss new approaches to condition assessment, performance modelling and technology integration. Other sessions will explore how to build climate resilience into road design, enhance maintenance planning, and adopt more sustainable materials and methods. Flood recovery and the growing need for infrastructure adaptation will also feature.
SUSTAINABILITY AND CIRCULAR THINKING
Sessions in the sustainability stream will explore how transport infrastructure can meet long-term environmental and economic goals.
Topics include circular economy strategies, materials reuse, and climate-smart asset design. These sessions offer practical guidance on embedding sustainability in day-today project planning and delivery.
WHY ATTEND?
Highways AU 2025 is a chance to connect with industry leaders, hear first-hand from peers delivering complex projects, and get practical guidance you can take back to your organisation.
Whether you’re in government, construction, engineering, planning or asset management, this event offers insights to help you navigate challenges, deliver better
outcomes and shape transport networks that are safer, smarter and more sustainable.
DON’T MISS OUT
Registrations are now open for Highways AU 2025. Attend for free to join the conversation, connect with industry, and be part of the event shaping the future of Australia’s transport infrastructure.
For more information or to register, visit terrapin.com/highways-ri
Highways 2025 is set to host 150 speakers and hundreds of exhibitors.
Speak face-to-face with suppliers and service providers entrenched in the industry.
See the latest innovations that have the potential to transform your projects.
Images: Terrapinn
Finding new market avenues at Converge
Asset Vision, a Converge exhibitor, outlines the value to be found at the expo for attendees, as well as the importance of diversifying market o erings in response to changes in demand across the municipal and civil construction industry.
Founded in 2011, Asset Vision’s determination to develop a solution that could help identify issues earlier, respond faster and stay on top of compliance led it to work hand in hand with on-site road inspection crews.
The organisation and its platform have achieved monumental growth in the past 14 years. Damian Smith, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Asset Vision, said that from small beginnings, the company has grown and expanded across multiple facets of the transport sector and beyond.
“We started with quite a narrow scope in terms of what our software needed to do and who it needed to do it for,” he said. “At the time, that was road maintainers and road asset owners. Naturally, the functionality of the platform evolved over time.”
Whether it’s work management, AI based defect detection, tracking asset inspections, capital work planning or asset valuations, Asset Vision’s platform offers a mobile,
map-based interface, as well as the ability to manage different types of assets across sectors.
“Asset Vision is a really good way to get all your work into one platform. It doesn’t matter if it’s maintenance work or capital improvement work, your teams can just load it all in, visualise it, and then see about getting that work undertaken and delivered, and where there might be overlaps,” Smith said.
Asset Vision is broadening its horizons to amplify and optimise what its platform has to offer. It’s
one of the many reasons why the company is exhibiting at the brand new Converge Expo.
To be held on September 17-18, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Converge is Australia’s only one-stop-shop for Sub-Contractors, Project Engineers, Council Fleet Managers, LargeScale Construction Contractors and more across the municipal works, civil construction and infrastructure spaces.
A particular area of interest for Asset Vision is Converge’s commitment to showcasing the
Converge Expo will showcase the latest innovations and technologies in Australia’s asset management industry. Images: Asset Vision
Converge is the only Australian-owned major event showcasing the latest tools and technology in the sector.
very latest and best of the municipal works sector.
From technology, through to road maintenance, and larger-scale trade equipment, Converge’s dedicated municipality area will act as a onestop-shop for council fleet managers and sub-contractors to see the latest tools on offer, with a special focus on zero-emission technology.
Chris Wignall, Head of Sales –Asset Vision, said the company is continuing to make waves in the municipality sector, with the company clearly identifying the space as a growth area.
“Within the past couple of years, we've really doubled down on making sure that what we offer is a complete solution for local government. We've invested heavily in research and development, hired new people, and more to make sure we've got a fully rounded solution,” he said.
“Many councils have ended up with three or four software subscriptions to do different jobs. Now they can look at Asset Vision and go 'actually, we only need one solution, and the cost of that is less than the others'.”
Across transport, utilities, municipal works and construction, Asset Vision has developed a platform that’s designed to allow both the asset owner and the contractor to collaborate on the same platform.
All of this has been achieved by what is a local business, focused on working with local companies to best understand what’s required for Australian applications.
“We're a 100 per cent Australian business. The development team is in Victoria. The support teams are co-located with the development team,” Wignall said. “We’re really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve so far with our local partners, such as Moyne Shire and the Greater Dandenong Council. We also really excited about our expansion into Water Utilities and our latest client to come onboard in this sector is Western Port Water.”
And the company isn’t done just yet.
“The company is a part of me. It’s amazing to see how far it’s come and also what’s in front as we expand and round out our solution, particularly for councils,” Smith said.
Come and see what Asset Vision has to offer at the 2025 Converge Expo. For more information on the highly anticipated show, visit: https://convergeexpo. com.au/attendee-enquiries/
Image: shutterstock.com/g/siribao1
Seamless collaboration starts in the field, powered by smart software.
Molonglo: A new suburb’s last chapter
The transformation of Canberra's Molonglo Valley into a vibrant, sustainable urban precinct is approaching a key milestone.
The release of Denman Prospect Stage Three marks not just the final chapter in the suburb's development but a bold opportunity to shape the future of urban living in the Australian Capital Territory.
The 40-hectare englobo site offers developers a rare canvas.
With zoning in place for up to 2950 dwellings – encompassing medium and high-density residential, commercial, and community uses – Stage Three will complete the arc of Denman Prospect's evolution from greenfield to fully integrated neighbourhood.
“The goal here is to deliver a diverse and high-quality residential precinct that integrates with what’s already happening in Stages One and Two and with the future Molonglo Town Centre,” says Adam Davey, CEO of the Suburban Land Agency (SLA).
“This is a key location, literally across the road from where Canberra’s sixth town centre will be.”
A STRATEGIC LAUNCHPAD
Denman Prospect Stage Three has been deliberately designed for higher density in a prime location. Adjacent to John Gorton Drive and opposite the upcoming Molonglo Town Centre, the site is envisioned as a walkable, people-focused extension of the broader Molonglo urban strategy.
Like earlier stages, Stage Three will be delivered via a single englobo tender, allowing a developer to shape the entire precinct in alignment with the ACT's planning goals.
“We want someone who can think about the whole site – its proximity to the Molonglo River, its connectivity to natural and urban assets – and really plan it out thoughtfully,” Davey says.
The decision to go englobo also supports rapid land release and offers flexibility in how the development unfolds. The SLA has successfully used this approach in previous stages and sees it as a proven model.
INTEGRATED WITH THE FUTURE
Crucial to Denman Prospect Stage Three's appeal is its seamless integration with the Molonglo Town Centre, a 97-hectare hub recently reclassified as Canberra’s sixth town centre under the National Capital Plan.
The future town centre will feature a main commercial precinct, retail and service trades, a high school and college, district library, and expansive green spaces stretching five kilometres along the Molonglo River.
By 2050, the Molonglo Valley is projected to house nearly 70,000 residents. Within the town centre alone, around 15,000 people are expected to live, supported by approximately 7500 dwellings. Public transport and active travel will be central to the precinct’s design, emphasising walkability and reducing reliance on cars.
“It’s going to be the commercial and community heart of this growing district,” Davey says.
“Anyone developing Denman Prospect Stage Three has to think about how people will move, how they’ll live and how they’ll access services.”
BUILT FOR COMMUNITY
Denman Prospect Stage Three zoning includes RZ4 and RZ5 residential, CZ5 mixed-use commercial, CFZ for community facilities, and PRZ1 urban open space. The yield mix includes 144 affordable, 207 community, and 60 public housing dwellings. These targets are secured via a delivery deed, which can include dedicated sites handed back to the SLA for reallocation to not-for-profit housing providers.
"We’ve got mechanisms to ensure that social and affordable housing is embedded in the fabric of the suburb – not clustered but integrated," Davey says.
That ethos of integration extends to open space and public realm design.
Developers are required to deliver landscaped areas near Cravens Creek, Cravens Creek Pond, and the Molonglo River Reserve.
“How would you design a people-focused suburb without that connection to nature?” Davey asks.
“The ACT planning system is outcomes focused and combined with the creativity and thought we’ve seen in the development of the earlier stages of Denman Prospect, we anticipate a similar approach will be taken.”
GOVERNANCE AND COORDINATION
Behind the scenes, SLA works closely with other ACT Government agencies including the City and Environment Directorate, Education Directorate and Infrastructure Canberra to align infrastructure delivery.
The school site included in Denman Prospect Stage Three, for instance, has been designated in response to Education Directorate planning.
“You have to think about all the families converging on that school every day,” Davey says.
“Accessibility, connection to public transport, access to playing fields – it’s a lot to coordinate, but we’ve been working on this with the relevant directorates from the start.”
A CRITICAL LINK
Also integral to unlocking Denman Prospect Stage Three is the Molonglo River Bridge – a significant piece of
infrastructure that will connect north and south Molonglo.
The bridge includes a services corridor (for power, water and telecoms), and its completion is crucial to the full rollout of residential and commercial sites in Denman Prospect and beyond.
“It’s essential for development and also for liveability,” Davey says.
“It’ll reduce congestion and enable better access across the region.”
NEXT STEPS
SLA must balance commercial viability with delivering public value.
As the ACT’s government land developer, it is tasked with securing financial returns for the Territory while also championing design quality and inclusivity.
“That dual role is always present,” Davey says.
“We’re constantly reviewing our approach to ensure we get the best outcome – not just financially, but socially and environmentally.”
Tender documents for Denman Prospect Stage Three are now available via Tenders ACT. SLA has appointed Civium as sales agents for the site.
“We’re excited to see what vision comes forward,” Davey says.
“This is the final piece in a really ambitious project. It’s not just about housing numbers – it’s about creating a community that works for decades to come.”
Images: Suburban Land Agency
Stage Three marks the fi nal stretch of this project’s development.
Road, rail and robots? Ideas for change in the automation age
As the infrastructure sector advances into artificial intelligence and automation, questions are being raised about workforce security.
Across construction sites, rail yards, and maintenance depots, the integration of robotics is not a far-off vision but a present-day reality.
This technological leap prompts a critical question: how can Australia build an automated future that includes, rather than excludes, its workforce?
A SECTOR AT A CROSSROADS
Workplace robotics expert Dijam Panigrahi believes the sector stands at a defining moment.
He works on spatial intelligence platforms that use artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality to support high-precision maintenance and inspection in complex environments. With clients across defence, aerospace, and heavy manufacturing, Panigrahi has a clear vantage point on the rapid deployment of automation.
“Particularly after the COVID period, people had at least appreciated the value of using these digitisation tools or autonomy tools to make sure their businesses are not hampered,” he says.
“It provided the required urgency that was kind of missing for the most part.”
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR AUTOMATION
Embracing robotics is not as simple as plugging in machines.
Four pillars, Panigrahi argues, must be in place before automation can take hold: a robust digital baseline, a workforce that knows how to use it, targeted upskilling, and access to capital.
“Companies are at different stages depending on what kind of investment they have made on those four pillars,” he says.
“Some are already kind of ahead of the curve... others are still in a hand-holding phase.”
HUMANS STILL AT THE HEART OF THE SYSTEM
For Australia, where ageing infrastructure intersects with skilled labour shortages, the opportunity is ripe. Yet the path forward is not to just deploy robots to fill workforce gaps – it’s about rethinking how jobs are designed and what human workers are enabled to do.
Take inspection tasks, for example. In bridge maintenance, humans still undertake the laborious and often risky job of visually identifying cracks and structural defects. New technology offers an alternative: wearable AR (Augmented Reality)
headsets that detect faults automatically and log them in a digital twin of the asset.
“The AI can't go and physically fix it,” Panigrahi says.
“So that same worker is still essential, but their energy should be focused on fixing it.”
This reframing matters. It not only preserves jobs but can enhance them, reducing physical strain and increasing job satisfaction. As automation takes over the repetitive and hazardous tasks, human workers can shift focus to high-value interventions.
“It's more like an enabler to them,” he says.
“You're enabling the workforce to do things better, faster, and in a more assured way.”
RETHINKING THE LABOUR GAP
The narrative that robots steal jobs is persistent, but as Panigrahi notes, automation in developed economies typically coincides with low unemployment.
In fact, sectors like defence manufacturing are grappling with the opposite problem: too many open roles and not enough skilled workers.
“In aerospace and defence manufacturing, [a high proportion] of people employed are 55 and above,” he says.
“Right now there are over two million jobs not being filled because there's no labour skill level.”
Australia is seeing similar trends.
Large transport projects like Inland Rail, Sydney Metro and Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop require not just civil engineers and project managers, but also a tech-savvy maintenance workforce. Robotics and AI could ease the burden, but only if workers are trained to collaborate with machines.
TRAINING FOR TRANSITION
This is where Panigrahi sees the need for strategic investment in reskilling. In Australia, government programs like the National Skills Agreement offer a starting point. However, real impact will require tighter coordination between tech developers, educators and employers.
“It has to be some sort of a consortium,” he says.
“It cannot be individually addressed by the government or by the universities.”
AUTOMATION THAT ENHANCES HUMANITY
One misconception he is quick to debunk is that automation is inherently dehumanising. Quite
the opposite, Panigrahi argues: when done well, it makes work more human.
“The stress that you go through every day, the overload of information – by using these tools, it makes it so much easier for you,” he says.
“You're focusing on highvalue work.”
From an Australian infrastructure lens, this matters. Whether for condition monitoring on rail networks, or asset inspections across the urban water grid, automation can elevate technical roles rather than eliminate them.
Transitioning the workforce will not be seamless. Barriers include fear of change, lack of access to training, and resistance from both workers and management. The solution, says Panigrahi, lies partly in design.
“If the tools are intuitive, they don't fear it. We talk about 'workforce enablement' rather than automation,” he says.
“It calms people. It tells them: this is here to help you, not replace you.”
Critically, the financial burden of reskilling should not fall solely on individuals or employers. Policymakers must step in.
“This is where the role of the government comes in,” Panigrahi says.
“Policies should be in place that allow enough time for people to upskill.”
LOOKING AHEAD: EQUITY AND IDENTITY
Looking ahead, Panigrahi sees a more equitable future if automation is handled thoughtfully.
“We might find that the field levels out a bit,” he says.
“The physical worker with technical skills might command similar respect and salary as someone in a desk-based software job.”
What he fears, however, is a homogenised workforce where AI systems dull human creativity and judgement.
“Writing something down is actually you processing it to think. With AI doing the thinking, we risk losing that,” he says.
“We need to preserve originality.”
In a sector built on tangible outcomes – bridges, ports, energy grids – it's an apt warning. Automation can drive productivity and safety, but only if it supports human expertise rather than subsuming it.
Image: Pugun
High-tech tools are only as smart as the people who guide them.
Region review: NSW’s infrastructure investment plan
The New South Wales Government’s 2025/26 Budget outlines a four-year infrastructure plan that will see $118.3 billion of investment to stimulate economic growth, boost housing availability, and strengthen communities by restoring essential services.
According to the State Budget, investment in infrastructure is expected to exceed $30 billion this financial year – the equivalent of $84.4 million per day.
The plan’s priority investments include significant transport projects, which will receive $55.6 billion over four years through 2028-29, including major investment in Sydney’s metro projects, regional roads and rail fleet.
The growing communities of Western Sydney are supported with a $5.5 billion roads package alongside $3.6 billion over four years for Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport to support the opening of the Aerotropolis.
Other priority investments intended to support economic growth include an investment of $644.1 million in the integrated stormwater and recycled water scheme needed to deliver 850 hectares of industrial land in the Mamre Road Precinct and support Western Sydney jobs.
A total of $336.1 million has also been allocated to continue the delivery of economic precincts in Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Moree and the Snowy Mountains to capitalise on the strengths of these regions and drive job creation.
Funding of $115.5 million has been earmarked for a Logistics Precinct at Newcastle Port to support the delivery of the Renewable Energy Zones and creating jobs for Newcastle.
One of the government’s highest priorities is addressing the housing crisis. Alongside continuing efforts to reform the planning system and tackle regulatory barriers, major investment has been allocated to the
trunk infrastructure that will support the delivery of the homes that the state needs.
THE LONG-AWAITED AEROTROPOLIS
The Western Sydney Aerotropolis has been in development for several years, with the site for the Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport originally being designated at Badgerys Creek over a decade ago, in April of 2014.
The Aerotropolis is set to become a thriving economic centre, potentially creating 120,000 new jobs for Western Sydney. Located around the new airport, it will be home to future-focused industries such as advanced manufacturing, research, training and education, freight and logistics and agribusiness.
The NSW and Federal governments have invested over $25 billion in infrastructure projects in the Aerotropolis.
Over the next four years, $3.6 billion will be invested in the Western Sydney Airport Metro, establishing a vital connection between the new Western Sydney International Airport, St Marys, and the greater Sydney region.
Track laying is officially underway on the 23-kilometre metro line that will link St Marys and Bradfield via the new WSI Airport.
Over a kilometre of track has already been laid at Luddenham, and rail strings are being welded into 120-metre lengths at a number of laydown sites along the alignment, before being carefully positioned, adjusted and concreted into place.
Over the following 14 months, more than 100 kilometres of Australian-made steel rail (totalling 6408 tonnes) will be gradually installed, with as much as 100 metres of track being laid each day.
In addition, more than $2.0 billion has been allocated for the
Billions are being poured into Sydney road and rail projects.
construction of the toll-free M12 Motorway, further enhancing transport links in the area.
The motorway is close to completion with all the final concrete pours complete and final stages currently underway.
Four colourful leaf canopies were installed in March, as part of the project’s Aboriginal art strategy, creating cultural landmarks along the shared path and adding to the three already installed.
Upon completion, the M12 Motorway will showcase nine eucalypt leaf canopies along its shared user path. These canopies, designed in collaboration with Indigenous design studio Balarinji and created by Aboriginal artists Barry Gunther (Gandangara), Jasmine Seymour (Dharug), and Jamie Eastwood (Ngemba/Dharug), will be thoughtfully placed to provide welcoming rest areas for users.
In the coming months, work will continue on pavement grooving and grinding, as well as the installation of signage and street lighting. Crews will also proceed with pavement, drainage, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), and utility work across various sections of the
motorway, alongside the ongoing installation of safety barriers.
Construction will be completed on the Elizabeth Drive, Luddenham Road, Badgerys Creek, and Cosgroves Creek bridges, while work on the Great Emu in the Sky sculpture will progress. The Airport Interchange bridges and the shared user path, including fencing, are also set for completion. Additionally, landscaping and tree planting will continue, and line marking will commence on the western section.
To accelerate development at Bradfield City Centre, over $1 billion will fund enabling works, including the creation of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility, essential civil infrastructure, utilities, and Central Park. The Upper South Creek Advanced Water Recycling Centre will receive $1.1 billion, supporting sustainable water management for the region.
The Bradfield City Centre has entered into Stage 2A, which marks the first phase of civil and enabling works. The project spans 38 hectares and encompasses the development of new master planned roads, streetscapes, civil works, and public utilities, with construction scheduled for completion in 2025.
As part of these works, four kilometres of road lanes will be constructed with recycled asphalt, incorporating waste products such as plastic bags, glass, tyres, and road sweepings that would otherwise go to landfill. Additionally, eight kilometres of active transport paths will be created for cyclists and pedestrians, and on-street parking will be provided for 178 cars.
The area around Bradfield Metro Station will feature four kissand-ride points, three taxi bays, and two bus bays. Streetscape improvements will include the planting of 600 trees, and all in-situ concrete work will utilise green concrete. The project also involves the installation of in-ground services, including potable, recycled, and wastewater systems, as well as electrical and fibre networks to support future developments.
The first stage of the Fifteenth Avenue upgrade, which will connect Liverpool to the new airport, is backed by $950 million, bringing the total investment in this project to $1 billion. Additionally, $644.1 million is dedicated to an integrated stormwater and recycled water
scheme, a critical component for unlocking 850 hectares of industrial land in the Mamre Road Precinct.
Finally, $148.6 million is set aside for upgrades to safety and access roads, incident management, wayfinding, and planning for Devonshire Road, all of which are essential to the development of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
ROAD CONNECTIONS FOR SYDNEY’S NORTH WEST
North-western Sydney is a major growth area for the state, with approximately one third of the New South Wales population now living in this region.
This Budget allocates $171 million in new funding – in collaboration with the Federal Government – to support the construction and planning of road upgrades in this rapidly expanding region. Of this, $74 million is dedicated to planning improvements
and future duplication along the Richmond Road corridor, stretching from the M7 to Richmond. This builds on the existing commitment to widen Richmond Road at the M7 and Elara Boulevard and is currently in the planning and community consultation phase.
An additional $57 million will be used to plan the duplication and future connection of Townson and Burdekin roads in Schofields, as well as to develop plans for widening Garfield Road West, complementing the government’s ongoing work to expand Garfield Road East. The Budget also provides $25 million in new funding to commence enabling works for the upgrade of Toongabbie Bridge.
Furthermore, planning will advance for the upgrade of the Flushcombe/ Bungarribee Road intersection in Blacktown and the Francis Road Rail Overpass at Rooty Hill, ensuring
continued progress on critical infrastructure projects in the region.
Together, these substantial investments in transport, housing, water, energy, and community infrastructure demonstrate an enormous pipeline of works to come, designed to build a stronger, more connected, and sustainable future for the state.
By prioritising strategic planning, collaboration across all levels of government, and targeted funding for both immediate and long-term needs, the 2025/26 State Budget lays the groundwork for economic growth, improved liveability and resilient communities.
These projects will not only support the state’s growing population but also ensure that essential services and opportunities are accessible to all residents, driving prosperity and wellbeing across New South Wales for years to come.
The Western Sydney Aerotropolis is intended as a hub for major industries.
NO-DIG DOWN UNDER
THE NEXT GENERATION OF MINING
ASIA-PACIFIC’S INTERNATIONAL MINING EXHIBITION
23-25 SEPTEMBER 2025
Adelaide Showground, South Australia
Register to attend AIMEX’s inaugural event in South Australia
