Infrastructure , June 2025

BYPASS TO SUCCESS

Key corridors driving better roads

Smarter Efforts

Tech tools for heavy lifting Power Shift

Same regime, new vision?

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Editor’s welcome

I’m Tim, and I’m thrilled to be stepping into this role at such a lively time in the infrastructure sector. With a background in science and technology journalism, I have spent much of my career translating complex ideas into clear, practical insights. As your new Editor, I am excited to bring you stories that inform, challenge and connect the people building our nation’s future.

I’d like to start by acknowledging the stellar efforts of my predecessor, Laura, under whose leadership this magazine has been a forum for informed, thoughtful discussion across road, rail, transport, utilities and the policies that bind them together.

That commitment remains, but also necessarily moves ahead as the industry approaches a new era. While we are still in a phase of catch-up investment, post-pandemic pressures and supply chain strain, the sector is shifting its gaze from recovery to resilience. Now as much as ever, infrastructure is about more than pouring concrete – it’s about designing systems that hold up under stress, meet climate targets, and deliver lasting value for communities.

No issue is complete without zooming in to look at the incredible capabilities of industrial machines – big and small – that are crucial to completing any project on time, on budget and safely. This includes a surprising consideration of rodents, and how their odd diets may risk vital fibre connections.

We will also hear from industry leaders reflecting on looming changes and challenges in sustainable infrastructure, engineering technology and other cutting-edge sectors.

In this edition, we look at the development of some crucial new road links that promise to improve traffic flow and transport times in key areas of the country. By building bridges, digging tunnels and laying roads, the works are expected to enhance convenience, productivity and safety for vast numbers of motorists. We also take a dive into the beginnings and endings of some of Australia’s major, nation-defining infrastructure projects.

As we look ahead, you may spot a few changes in the magazine’s approach. We’re committed to sharpening our focus on issues of national importance while keeping space for some of the otherwise overlooked ideas and developments. Thank you for reading, and please enjoy the June edition of Infrastructure Magazine

Tim Hall Editor, Infrastructure Magazine

Get in touch at info@infrastructuremagazine.com.au or feel free to give us a call on 03 9690 8766.

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Vic Big Build powers ahead

Major work on Victoria’s Big Build is set to continue over the Autumn period of 2025 as the opening of the Metro and West Gate Tunnels approaches.

The Victorian Government says that with more and more level crossings gone for good, important connections between city streets and future tunnels are taking shape.

There have been many planned disruptions as work powers ahead around the state, including:

MELBOURNE’S WEST

The West Gate Freeway saw disruptions in April as crews removed a massive tower crane used for the West Gate Tunnel project.

In early April, one outbound lane was closed between Williamstown and Millers Road for cladding work. The following weekend, outbound traffic was reduced to two lanes for the crane's removal.

Overnight full closures occurred across two weekends in mid-April. Detours were available via the M80 Ring Road and Princes Freeway, with alternate routes including Footscray Road, Dynon Road, and CityLink. The Williamstown Road outbound entry ramp also closed both weekends.

Works also took place on the M80 Ring Road, to integrate the West Gate Tunnel into the existing freeway network.

Works for the Level Crossing Removal Project starred during early March 2025 in Melton.

Opening later in 2025, the Metro Tunnel will connect the Sunbury Line with the Cranbourne/Pakenham lines, travelling through five new underground stations.

Train testing has been taking place throughout May, with buses replacing trains on part of the Sunbury Line.

MELBOURNE’S EAST

In Melbourne’s east, crews have completed the duplication of an eight-kilometre track between Dandenong and Cranbourne, built a brand new Merinda Park Station and made the Cranbourne Line level crossing free.

The State Government says these upgrades will allow for more frequent and reliable train services

and make travel by road easier and safer.

Work continues on the North East Link, which is set to take 15,000 trucks off local roads every day and slash travel times by up to 35 minutes. The Victorian Government has announced it will soon complete the M80 Ring Road at the northern end of North East Link, with new lanes, up-to-date technology and express lanes to the North East Link tunnels.

MELBOURNE’S NORTH

Extra lanes are being added between Craigieburn Road East and Memorial Avenue, with new traffic lights at Park Street. Upgrades are planned for intersections as well as better walking and cycling connections.

MELBOURNE’S

SOUTH EAST

The Victorian Government says a dangerous and congested level crossing at Station Street in Beaconsfield will be gone for good this Autumn, bringing the state a step closer to a boom gate-free Pakenham Line in 2025.

Works are taking place on the Pakenham Roads Upgrade, which is intended to make journeys “easier and more enjoyable,” the State Government says.

REGIONAL VICTORIA

In regional Victoria, the Big Build is targeting train stations in every  direction.

To the north, Stage Three of the Shepparton Line Upgrade is underway, allowing trains to travel up to 130 kilometres per hour and enabling nine return services to and from Melbourne every weekday. The government is also building a new stabling facility north of Shepparton station to house V/Locity trains for the Shepparton Line.

The ongoing Warrnambool Line Upgrade is set to deliver a fifth weekday return service between Warrnambool and Melbourne.

Work is underway on track upgrades from Ararat to Maryborough, including re-railing and a passing loop, to increase load capacity and improve travel times.

The Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade has delivered new stations at Goornong, Huntly and Raywood as well as track and signalling upgrades between Epsom and Goornong.

Stations in the state’s east have also been upgraded as part of the Gippsland Line Upgrade, including a second platform at Bunyip Station and Longwarry Station.

Image: Jackie Davies/stock.adobe.com

Victoria's Big Build has set some bold goals and budgets.

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Designs forming for Gold Coast rail boost

The Queensland Government recently launched design and pre-construction work on the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project.

The State says the project will be a major step toward boosting rail capacity between Brisbane and the Gold Coast ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project will expand the rail corridor from two to four tracks between Kuraby and Beenleigh, aiming to deliver more frequent, reliable and accessible train services for one of South-East Queensland’s fastestgrowing corridors.

Key elements of the 20-kilometre

upgrade include level crossing removals, station upgrades, and improved access and connectivity across the corridor. The project is jointly funded by the Queensland and Federal governments.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the government wants to meet growing transport demand in the region.

“Entering into the design and preconstruction contract now will ensure this key infrastructure investment is completed ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mickelberg said.

“The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project will address increasing population growth and customer

demand between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and unlock capacity for additional train services for Queenslanders.”

Member for Theodore Mark Boothman welcomed the progress, highlighting the benefits for commuters in his electorate and beyond.

“The Brisbane to Gold Coast line is already one of the busiest longdistance commutes, so being able to add more services will be of huge benefit to our communities here on the Gold Coast,” Boothman said.

“This is also a step forward to reducing the congestion on the M1,” he added.

An artist's render of the completed Beenleigh Station.

Image: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

Australia’s infrastructure sector could benefit from a fresh pipeline of skilled workers under a proposed expansion of Australian Technical Colleges, according to Master Builders Australia.

The industry group has supported calls to establish a new national network of technical colleges for students in Years 10 to 12.

The specialist schools would combine school-based apprenticeships and traineeships with academic and business subjects, leading to a Year 12 certificate.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the initiative would help address ongoing labour shortages in the building and construction sector – shortages that continue to stall progress on critical housing and infrastructure delivery.

“Technical colleges play an important part of the skills education mix,” Wawn said.

“They support students in learning the necessary skills to start a career in building and construction, while not giving up the opportunity to attain the high school certificate.”

With more than 500,000 new workers needed over the next five years, the sector is urging a shift in perceptions that favour university over vocational education.

Wawn also called for complementary measures, including free VET, to ensure a balanced and effective approach to skills development.

“Fixing the housing crisis starts with people,” she said.

“Every extra apprentice gets us closer to meeting our workforce and housing goals.”

Builders call for technical college boost Federal boost for SA works

Three major transport projects in South Australia are set to receive a combined $690 million in federal funding, targeting freight efficiency, safety improvements and congestion relief across key regional and urban corridors.

The federal boost includes $525 million for the High Productivity Vehicle Network (HPVN), a freight route upgrade spanning from the South Eastern Freeway to the Sturt Highway. The projects include a duplication of the Swanport Bridge and creating a Murray Bridge Township Bypass at Monarto.

The works are designed to enable high productivity freight vehicles to bypass Adelaide, cutting trip numbers, lowering emissions, and improving safety.

A further $125 million has been allocated to removing the Curtis Road level crossing in Munno Para, northern Adelaide. The project will eliminate traffic interactions with the Gawler passenger rail line – a move expected to improve safety, reduce congestion and support growing residential development in the area.

The Main South Road upgrade between Myponga and Yankalilla will receive $40 million for targeted safety works, including new overtaking lanes, curve easing, road

widening, and upgrades to narrow bridges and culverts.

Construction timelines and further project details are yet to be announced.

The South Eastern Freeway will soon connect to a new freight route.

Image: State Government of South Australia

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Melbourne marks Metro Tunnel handover

Three of Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel underground stations – Arden, Parkville and Anzac – have officially been handed over to Metro Trains, marking a major step towards the opening of the $12 billion project later this year.

The handover followed extensive testing, with trains having clocked more than 100,000 kilometres through the twin tunnels since mid-2023 – the equivalent of two-and-a-half times around the Earth.

The handover, announced by Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams during a visit to Parkville Station, means operational staff can now begin trialling and managing the stations’ systems in preparation for passenger services.

“We’ve got the keys from the builders, now our rail workers can move in and start getting ready for passengers,” Allan said.

“The Metro Tunnel will cut congestion and get you to work, uni and home sooner – and it opens this year.”

Station staff will use the coming months to test equipment, train operations, and fine-tune station management processes.

Meanwhile, construction continues at the final two underground stations – Town Hall and State Library – which will anchor the new line beneath Melbourne’s CBD.

Williams described the project as a “game-changer” for Melbourne’s transport network.

“It will create capacity for more services and connect Victorians to jobs, education and hospitals,” she said.

Once complete, the Metro Tunnel is set to be Melbourne’s biggest rail transformation since the City Loop opened in 1981, designed to enable more frequent services on key lines and significantly improving crosscity travel.

A train being tested inside the Metro Tunnel.

Image: Victoria's Big Build/State Government of Victoria

Queensland aims for big Games boost

When Brisbane was announced as the host city for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it marked the start of a once-in-a-generation opportunity – not just to host a global spectacle, but to catalyse transformative infrastructure projects across Queensland.

The 2032 Olympics are set to transform Queensland’s infrastructure landscape, with major projects planned across Brisbane, South-East Queensland, and regional areas.

the Brisbane Metro and Exhibition Railway Station. The project is slated to cost $3.7 billion.

activities will also contribute to the pathway for training highperformance para-athletes.

But beyond the political fanfare, the complex reality of delivering this infrastructure on time and on budget reveals significant challenges.

BIG PLANS

A review of the State Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan reveals the scope of the Games infrastructure, with $7.1 billion allocated to venue capital works, co-funded by the Federal and Queensland governments.

This funding supports new venues, major upgrades, and critical transport links. However, the state’s 100 Day Review warned rising costs and delays could push the total infrastructure cost beyond the initial $7.1 billion, potentially reaching over $8.7 billion.

A centrepiece of the Brisbane 2032 Games will be a new 63,000-seat Main Stadium at Victoria Park, Herston. This venue will replace the ageing Gabba and become Brisbane’s new sporting and entertainment heart. Located close to the CBD, the stadium will leverage existing transport connections, including

The Games Delivery Plan also includes three major athletes’ villages in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, providing 16,400 beds for athletes and officials during the Games. These developments aim to deliver a strong housing legacy, transforming into permanent residential precincts post-Games.

The Brisbane Athletes Village will be built at the Brisbane Showgrounds, with the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast villages planned at Royal Pines Resort and Maroochydore City Centre, respectively.

The 100 Day Review warned that “significant time and cost challenges” could delay these works, and suggested that alternative sites may be needed.

PARA-SPORT GETS A PLACE

Chandler Sporting Precinct will be upgraded to a dedicated para-sport community facility. Upgrades will include an accessibility overhaul to ensure community-based indoor para-sport can be supported in the lead up to and after the 2032 Games.

The State Government says that providing a dedicated facility for community-based indoor para-sport

As planning continues, proponents say the dedicated facility could also integrate allied health services, creating additional legacy benefits for the community. As para-sport facilities are built, accessibility upgrades and connection to other venues and services will be a critical focus too.

TRANSPORT DELIVERY

Transport is another critical focus. Major projects include Brisbane Metro expansion, The Wave rapid transit from Beerwah to Birtinya, and Bruce Highway upgrades. Delivering these on time will be a challenge too, but the 100 Day Review notes the nine planned critical transport programs will be essential for efficient movement during the Games.

Regional Queensland will see upgrades to venues like Barlow Park in Cairns, rowing facilities on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, and a new Equestrian Centre of Excellence at Toowoomba Showgrounds. These projects aim to provide lasting benefits, but their delivery is complex.

The state’s plans include upgraded public transport in Brisbane,

The 2032 Games are set to transform Queensland’s infrastructure landscape.

Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, faster rail connections, and road network enhancements.

The Queensland Government says faster rail upgrades and new stations from Brisbane to the Gold Coast will reduce commute times, while future upgrades to the Coomera Connector will connect growing cities in the state’s south-east.

A Transport Coordination Centre, expanded European Train Control System, and active travel initiatives are expected to further enhance connectivity.

PUSHING THROUGH PLANNING

The Games have also sparked debate over governance. The Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 gives the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) sweeping powers to bypass standard planning processes, exempting Games projects from compliance with existing heritage, environmental, or planning laws. The government argues this ensures efficient delivery, but critics say it undermines accountability.

GOLD COINS TO GOLD MEDALS

Concerns about financial management are also significant.

The 100 Day Review estimated a funding shortfall of $1.1 billion due to cost escalation and recommended exploring private sector participation to cover the gap. But with private investment likely to be treated as government debt, questions have been raised about long-term financial risks for Queensland.

UPGRADES EXTEND TO REGIONS

Brisbane’s infrastructure upgrades extend beyond the stadium. A new arena at the former GoPrint site in Woolloongabba will serve as a 15,000-seat aquatic venue during the Games, transitioning to a 17,000seat arena post-Games.

At Spring Hill’s Centenary Pool site, the new National Aquatic Centre will be built as a national hub for Australia’s aquatic sports, offering a legacy capacity of 8000 seats.

Additionally, the Queensland Tennis Centre will gain new courts, and the RNA Showgrounds will be upgraded, including a new Athletes’ Village, later converted to housing.

Regional infrastructure includes new and upgraded venues. Cairns will see Barlow Park improved, Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River will gain upgraded rowing facilities, and Toowoomba will host an Equestrian

Centre of Excellence. Sunshine Coast will get a new mountain biking centre.

The Games will deliver significant benefits to regional Queensland too, with punters set to flock to the new and upgraded sites. To get the most of this wave, GIICA has proposed extending the state’s Games On! Fund, recommending up to $1 billion in funding for new and upgraded regional sports infrastructure.

Games On! Is already distributing $250 million in funding for grassroots sporting clubs, to support upgrades to fields and pitches, courts and clubhouses, and essential community sporting infrastructure.

FINDING THE FINISH LINE

Despite highly confident government statements, the path to 2032 is not smooth. Rising costs, supply chain pressures, and labour shortages make no special exemptions for sport. Governance and transparency are also in question, with GIICA’s wide powers raising concerns about accountability.

Still, despite the risks, the Games offer a chance for Queensland to build lasting infrastructure. Proponents are hoping that the legacy is real, costs are controlled, and benefits shared.

Image: Giselle/stock.adobe.com

A new venue will replace the ageing Gabba.

Rowing facilities will be built on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.

The Queensland Tennis Centre will gain new courts.

The road ahead

The Coffs Harbour bypass project has reached several milestones in the last year, with major tunnelling, bridge construction and earthworks well underway.

The 14-kilometre Coffs Harbour bypass project is the final stage of the Pacific Highway upgrade program, one of the largest road infrastructure projects in Australia.

Connecting Sydney and Brisbane, the Pacific Highway is a major contributor to Australia’s economic activity. The existing highway through Coffs Harbour forms part of this freight corridor and carries between 30,000 and 35,000 vehicles per day. It’s also one of the last remaining sections of the highway upgrade that still has traffic lights.

Coffs Harbour bypass project director Greg Nash and his family have lived on the North Coast of New South Wales for over 20 years. He said they’ve seen firsthand the major changes and improvements in the Pacific Highway upgrade.

“Travel between places like Grafton and Brisbane has gotten much safer and that’s a great achievement, to see the benefits we’re actually making to the safety of the community.”

At the moment, road users are navigating 12 kilometres of low-speed arterial road through the CBD of Coffs Harbour. That's 12 sets of traffic lights, a major roundabout and 26 at-grade intersections.

“This means the area experiences a motorist, cyclist and pedestrian casualty rate more than three times higher than expected of a road of this class,” Nash said.

“It also means increased travel time and inefficient on-road freight operation, loss of economic development opportunities and a decrease in the amenity of Coffs Harbour CBD.

“By providing the bypass for all the freight movements, predominantly, we'll see some safer, more consistent travels through Coffs Harbour.”

The new bypass is also set to reduce travel times with improved freight transport efficiency and improved amenity for local communities. Additionally, it will provide a more reliable route with improved flood tolerance.

KEY MILESTONES

There were several firsts for the Coffs Harbour bypass project in 2024, including the commencement of tunnelling at Gatelys Road in January and beginning of excavation at Shephards Lane Tunnel. The microtunnel boring machine successfully completed the excavation of twin pipes beneath the Pacific Highway at Boambee and under the North Coast Rail embankment, a key step in the project’s tunnelling work.

Additionally, 2024 saw the installation of the first super-t girder at the bridge over Newports Creek, as well as several major approvals.

“Our Place Design and Landscape Plan and Operational Noise Report were approved in 2024, two fairly significant plans that help guide the project this year,” Nash said.

“We commenced one of the longest bridges, the 250 metre bridge over the North Coast Railway Line.

The Coffs Harbour Bypass project is the final stage of the Pacific Highway upgrade program.

“As for earthworks, we’ve been tracking well. As of December 2024 about 80 per cent of earthworks are complete (2.65 of 3.3 million cubic metres) on the whole project.

“We also established our on-site asphalt batch plant and started paving at Korora Hill northbound on-ramp.”

At the end of October, crews completed a major traffic switch at Bruxner Park Road.

“We switched traffic over one of our newly constructed bridges and one of the central roundabouts, enabling us to open up the next phase of work,” Nash said.

“In the next 12 months, we'll see more traffic switches, which enables opening up more of the existing highway to do work.

“We’ll also see the opening of the Luke Bowen pedestrian bridge and completion of hard rock drill and blast excavation at Roberts Hill and Shephards Lane Tunnels.

“This means we'll see the tunnels actually finalised in terms of excavation, enabling us then to move on to the final part, which is pavements and full fit out of mechanical, electrical and any of the other polarised safety systems in the tunnels as well.”

PROJECT COMPLEXITIES

The geology in Coffs Harbour presents unique challenges for tunnelling.

“The area is primarily made up of argillite rock, which is a very hard jointed rock mass,” Nash said.

“This is very different from Sydney, where tunnelling typically happens in sandstone, which is easier to drill through using tunnel boring machines.”

In Coffs Harbour, tunnel boring machines wouldn’t work as effectively, so the team relies on the traditional drill and blast method.

Despite the tough terrain, Nash emphasised that this hasn’t delayed progress.

“We're now operating 24/7 in the tunnels, and tunnelling is ahead of schedule. It's tracking really well.”

One of the project’s biggest hurdles is managing major earthworks in close proximity to urban areas and a high-rainfall environment.

“It's 3.2 million cubic meters of earthworks right next to dense urban area,” Nash said.

“Then we have the added challenge of the high rainfall effects that come through Coffs Harbour because of the

Tunnelling is now being finalised.

The Luke Bowen pedestrian bridge will open soon.

PROJECTS

proximity of the Great Dividing Range to the coast. This has required some out-of-the-box thinking.”

To tackle this, the team has implemented cutting-edge erosion control measures.

“We’ve installed High Efficiency Sediment Basins (HESBs), which are EPA licensed and have five key features: automated dosing, coarse sediment bay, weir, settling basin, and outlet spillway,” Nash said.

“They provide continuous flow processing rather than the batch process of traditional basins. Treatment and discharge occur during a rainfall event, rather than after.

“This offers many advantages, the main being that a much greater volume of runoff can be treated for a given basin size, compared to traditional basins.”

With this solution in place, the team is effectively navigating the project’s challenges while maintaining high standards of environmental control.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

“We’ve adopted a ‘no surprises’ approach to keep the community informed and minimise construction impacts,” Nash said.

The team shares updates via the project website, social media and emails.

“We’ve also got a bus that we take out to the community and actually talk to people about what's happening.”

Nash said feedback is always welcomed from the community and stakeholders about the work and its impact.

“The surveys we’ve done have given us really good feedback, showing that the work we’re doing is really hitting the right note.

“I think a lot of people believed the project was never going to happen, but I think that’s starting to change.

“A lot of the project is hidden around the foothills, around the back of Coffs Harbour, and you can't see it. That’s why the photo books and video flyovers of the project on our website are one of the best tools because the community can actually see what’s going on.”

SMART SYSTEMS

The new bypass incorporates aspects of SMART motorway systems, and can be managed from St Helena's Regional Traffic Operations Centre.

“The three tunnels need to be fully controlled 24/7 and they will be monitored through a regional traffic operation centre based up at Byron Bay,” Nash said.

Key intelligent transport systems include variable speed lane signs, variable and changeable message signs, overheight detectors, traffic signals, boom gates, CCTV and infra-red traffic loggers.

“These systems enable rapid, remote response in the case of an incident to close lanes, re-route traffic back through Coffs Harbour and prevent overheight vehicles from entering the tunnels,” Nash said.

Additionally, the tunnels are equipped with sensors to monitor smoke, heat and fires, ensuring a quick, effective emergency response.

These systems will ensure the bypass operates smoothly and safely once open.

“The Coffs bypass is on track to be open to traffic by the end of 2026. Once we open the bypass, we’ll return to finish work on the northern and southern tie-ins, which will take another 12 months.”

The project is set to be fully complete by the end of 2027.

Traffic is moved onto new bridges to allow the next phase of work.

Immediately NonInvasive

Creating seamless journeys to Adelaide’s south

South Australia’s coast, the Fleurieu Peninsula, is home to some of the state’s finest attractions. From pristine white beaches to rugged coastal walks, wineries to world-renowned restaurants, it’s a playground of opportunity located only 40 minutes from Adelaide.

Thanks to two major infrastructure projects, South Australians and tourists alike will have safer, easier and more reliable journeys to this beautiful part of the state.

MAJORS ROAD INTERCHANGE UPGRADE

The Southern Expressway serves as the gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula, carrying approximately 74,000 vehicles per day and supporting economic activity and tourism in the region, including Kangaroo Island.

Majors Road is an important arterial route, seeing around 13,200 vehicles daily – anticipated to increase to about 14,700 during peak times by 2036.

With major works commencing in March 2024 and completion expected by the end of 2025, the Majors Road Interchange project will link these two crucial corridors through the construction of new on/off ramps from the Southern Expressway.

This new interchange will significantly enhance connectivity for the communities in Adelaide’s southern suburbs and create a more resilient road network.

The design of the upgrade was completed in 2024 to include additional widening of Majors Road to allow two lanes of traffic from the eastern ramp toward Lonsdale Highway and Ocean Boulevard. From the initial design, the on/off ramps reduced in length to minimise impacts on local land and vegetation – key concerns raised by residents.

A key part of the upgrade is the widening of the Majors Road Bridge, taking it from two lanes to six.

Eighteen girders – ranging in length from 23 to 31 metres and weighing between 8 and 14 tonnes – were installed over four nights using a 300-tonne crane.

Junctions have been realigned as part of the new Aldinga Interchange.

Images: South Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport

The widened bridge will now accommodate two through lanes and a dedicated right-turn lane onto the Southern Expressway in each direction.

So far, around 2000 cubic metres of concrete – equivalent to 300 concrete mixer trucks – and 550 tonnes of Australian steel have been used.

Increasing the capacity of Majors Road, along with the new ramps, will not only improve access for current road users but also futureproof access to the region’s popular recreation facilities. It also enhances connectivity for southern suburb commuters ahead of major works beginning on the Torrens to Darlington project.

The project itself is also supporting the local economy, creating 245 South Australian jobs.

As part of this, approximately 10 per cent of the workforce will be apprentices and trainees, 12 per cent will be composed of Aboriginal employees, and four per cent will be individuals facing barriers to employment or long term unemployed.

Community engagement has been central to the project, ensuring it delivers benefits not just for commuters but for nearby residents as well.

A total of 1.8 kilometres of new Shared Use Paths will connect two major cycling routes, improving access to Glenthorne National Park–Ityamaiitpinna Yarta, Glenthorne Farm, and O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park. The upgrade has been carefully designed to avoid impact on Glenthorne Farm and O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park, with only minimal

impact on the National Park itself.

In total, 42,000 new plants will be introduced throughout the project, including 228 mature trees. Featuring 39 native species, the landscaping will help create wildlife habitats, increase biodiversity, and complement the national park. Once mature, the tree canopy is expected to increase by over 40 per cent.

Glenthorne National Park–Ityamaiitpinna Yarta is one of Adelaide’s newest national parks, featuring a nature play space and BBQ facilities.

Other nearby facilities – including Riding for the Disabled and the Southern Soccer Facility – will benefit from improved access via the new interchange. Emergency services, including the O’Halloran Hill Metropolitan Fire and Ambulance Service located adjacent to the bridge, will also gain more direct routes.

Additional turning lanes installed at the junction of Majors Road and Adams Road will improve access to some of these facilities and provide increased capacity for the junction.

“We’ve worked closely with local stakeholders and the community to ensure the upgrade addresses their concerns while minimising impacts on vital community facilities,” said Michael Marks, Delivery Manager, Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

“We’ve also taken this opportunity to move power lines underground and realign bike paths

to improve visibility and safety for motorists and cyclists.”

Between 2017 and 2021, there were 113 crashes in the area – highlighting the need for improved safety. Enhancing road safety, connectivity, and reducing heavy vehicle traffic through local streets remain top priorities.

As the project progresses towards completion, the team are excited to see the benefits enjoyed by all road users.

“As we head to completion of the Majors Road Interchange project in 2025, the team that’s been working hard on this project for a number of months are excited to see it finished and help further unlock the south,” said Marks.

“Community engagement has been an important part of this project and we’re looking forward to being able to see the community enjoy the benefits of the upgrade they had a hand in shaping.”

FLEURIEU CONNECTIONS

Another vital link to the Fleurieu Peninsula is Main South Road, which currently carries around 19,000 vehicles per day – a figure projected to grow to 26,000 by 2036.

Duplication of Main South Road from Seaford to Aldinga began in 2022, with the new road opening to traffic in late 2023. Victor Harbor Road has also been duplicated between Main South Road and McLaren Vale, further enhancing safety and traffic flow.

In late 2022, the South Australian Government committed to Stage

Super T beams being lifted into place to construct the Aldinga Bridge.

Two of the project – continuing the duplication from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach. This section is currently under construction.

Once complete, the duplicated Main South Road from Seaford to Sellicks Beach will ease congestion, improve safety and travel times, and support both economic growth and tourism.

“The extension of this duplication will ease congestion and improve traffic flow, removing a headache for the many South Australians and visitors that use this road each day,” said Michael Rander, Delivery Manager, Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

Safety was a key motivator for this project. This stretch of road ranked number one in the RAA’s Risky Roads survey in 2017, 2019, and 2021. Between 2016 and 2020, there were 47 crashes – including 33 injuries.

“The duplication will see the inclusion of a number of new safety measures, including wide centre medians.

“Wire rope barriers will separate northbound and southbound traffic, reducing the risk of head-on collisions.”

A key feature of Stage Two is the new Aldinga Bridge – the largest infrastructure bridge element of

the project. Opened to traffic on March 3, 2025, the bridge realigns the junctions of Aldinga Beach Road and Aldinga Road as part of the new Aldinga Interchange.

Twelve 40-tonne Super-T beams were installed using one of South Australia’s largest cranes – standing 45 metres tall and weighing 700 tonnes – the first time such a crane has been used on a state government project.

The bridge deck is 26 metres long, 27 metres wide, and supported by 53 concrete piles. It includes 62 architectural panels and 86 metres of anti-throw screens for added safety and visual appeal.

Meanwhile, construction of the underpass is underway using advanced techniques such as soil nailing and shotcrete. In total, the underpass will use 15,600 metres of soil nails and 4000 square metres of shotcrete.

Over the term of the project, it will involve 11,500 cubic metres of concrete (approx. 4500 mixer truckloads), 105,000 tonnes of asphalt, and 605,000 cubic metres of earthworks.

Supporting local businesses has been a strong focus for this

project, with 98 per cent of the work being delivered by South Australian businesses.

Ninety-nine per cent of the workforce is South Australian for the 405 full-time equivalent jobs supported by the works.

In all, 65 businesses – including several Indigenous-owned companies – have been awarded tenders to supply materials and services. Most are based in South Australia, with many located in the Fleurieu region, reinforcing the project’s strong connection to the local economy.

Services provided include earthworks, traffic control, road sweeping, PPE supply, environmental monitoring, drone surveying, and equipment maintenance. Local suppliers are also delivering essential materials such as concrete, quarry products, and steel.

Among the businesses involved, many participated in both stage one and stage two, providing opportunities for business growth across the project.

The completed Main South Road Duplication Stage One and Victor Harbor Road Duplication supported 945 full time jobs each year throughout its construction with a 99 per cent South Australian workforce.

Strategic outcomes for South Australia

By Jeremy Conway, Infrastructure SA CEO

South Australia's infrastructure shapes how communities live, work and thrive – but infrastructure planning is more than meeting current needs. It demands a vision for the future.

Infrastructure SA’s 2025 Strategy embraces this challenge, offering a 20-year roadmap to guide development to ensure a prosperous, sustainable, and liveable state. The Strategy aims to strike the balance of providing the strategic guidance with tangible recommendations.

Infrastructure is key to driving economic growth, enhancing liveability, and supporting environmental sustainability. By adopting an outcomes-based and interconnected approach, the strategy moves beyond siloed, project-specific goals to tackle broader societal impacts. Four overarching outcomes frame this vision, each accompanied by targeted recommendations.

OUTCOME

ONE – PAVING THE WAY TO PROSPERITY

Infrastructure can be a catalyst to unlock economic growth, but understanding what infrastructure is needed and where, is crucial.

South Australia is blessed with many natural resources that are a competitive strength. These resources need significant infrastructure to get to market, but many are remote and lack the required scale. Aggregating demand is considered essential, as greater scale will justify investments and underwrite the necessary upfront costs while providing more competitive products. It presents opportunities to provide commonuser infrastructure, which further enhances the economic case and opportunity for broader beneficiaries to be considered.

Governments will have different roles to play beyond monetary investment. These include de-risking investment decisions through clear and stable policy and regulatory environments. They must also maintain trust and open communications with the private sector, and have a readiness to respond to market and infrastructure needs.

WATER AND ENERGY TO ENABLE GROWTH

South Australia is the driest state in Australia, making water a scarce and invaluable resource. Remote communities face heightened challenges, where climateindependent water sources are crucial to foster development and economic opportunities. Innovations in water desalination and climateindependent water sources are required to provide resilience in the face of growing demand and climate variability.

At the forefront of the energy transition, South Australia has rapidly embraced renewables, currently with 74 per cent net renewable generation. However, the pace of this transition has outstripped the adaptability of the National Electricity Market (NEM), leading to reliability and affordability challenges that still need to be addressed through the transition.

The strategy underscores the need for flexible firming capacity and enhanced understanding of the role natural gas plays in supporting the intermittent nature of renewable energy. South Australia’s commitment to future-proofing energy infrastructure is vital to maintaining competitive electricity prices and reliability of supply.

Jeremy Conway.

BUILDING AN EFFICIENT FREIGHT NETWORK

Road freight remains by far the most common choice of mode in South Australia, responsible for over 77 per cent of movements annually –compared to 17 per cent by sea, five per cent by rail and <0.5 per cent by air. With the increasing utilisation of High Productivity Vehicles, it is likely that road freight will continue to be the primary mode. However, to improve the efficiency of the freight network, it is important to understand the end-to-end freight task and maximise the value of identified corridors. Rail will continue to have an important role for certain freight tasks and where appropriate, their use and integration with intermodals and industrial precincts enhanced.

As our pipeline of projects continues to grow, demand for import facilities capable of handling over-size construction modules and equipment is growing too. Lack of suitable import facilities that offer full processing capabilities – from customs and bio-security controls to large hard-stand areas well connected to transport networks – will likely increase project delivery cost and risks. Optimal locations need to be identified for open access material offloading facilities.

AN EMERGING OPPORTUNITY

The need to decarbonise is a key challenge when considering a 20-year infrastructure strategy. CSIRO and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have highlighted the role of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) in net zero pathways, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates CCUS will be required to account for 18 per cent of emission reductions in the energy sector alone from 2030 to 2050.

South Australia is uniquely positioned with existing large scale geological reserves, adaptable infrastructure and industry to form the foundational requirements of a CCUS ecosystem. With the Moomba CCS project now in operation, there is an opportunity to grow a broader industry and support global net zero ambitions with strategic infrastructure planning.

OUTCOME TWO – LIVEABLE TODAY, FLOURISHING TOMORROW

Understanding how to manage the planning and delivery of

infrastructure as our population grows is a big challenge. This outcome focusses on maintaining the states' liveability.

Identifying growth areas, reserving strategic corridors and sequencing land in a coordinated and integrated manner will support the implementation of sustainable growth while allowing both the public and private sectors to be better prepared.

Water scarcity isn’t just an economic challenge; it’s a social one. Governance reforms, capacity enhancements and long-term planning for wastewater and bulk water supply systems will ensure residents have access to reliable water sources while accommodating a growing population.

Another significant impact of population growth will be felt in our social services. Our hospitals, schools and public transport will require increasing levels of investment. This infrastructure is investment-heavy, with smart solutions needed to maximise efficiency while ensuring services are provided in a timely and appropriate manner.

To address congestion associated with growth, the strategy places a strong focus on mode shift towards public and active transport. This requires better integrated services and initiatives to increase patronage, alongside enhanced capacity for mass transit options aligned to where growth and employment activity occurs. A long-term solution must also be identified to address capacity constraints of our central terminus station.

OUTCOME THREE – SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Central to our strategy is the commitment to shape a sustainable future. It seeks to ensure that infrastructure development meets current needs without compromising those of future generations.

Achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions requires more than a commitment – it demands ongoing focus and innovative practices. Prioritising activities such as reducing emissions during construction and operation, designing infrastructure with durability in mind, and embedding emissions accounting in decisionmaking processes will move South Australia closer to its net zero goals.

SHIFT TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

A more circular approach to our economy is one that shifts from a linear (make -take - dispose) approach to one that is regenerative and conserves resources by designingout waste and keeping resources in use for as long as possible to extract maximum value.

Waste-to-energy also offers an alternative to waste management and recovery, where energy and by-products are recovered in usable forms. Advancements in technology, growing confidence and acceptance of waste-to-energy recognise it as an increasingly viable option.

OUTCOME FOUR –ELEVATING IMPACT

To enable economic growth, support the transition to net zero, and meet the needs of a growing population, we will need to continue to invest in new infrastructure.

Yet, the market is being challenged by a number of factors such as low productivity and heavy competition for limited capital, materials and skilled labour. Offering industry more visibility over infrastructure projects can allow it to be better prepared for the allocation of these resources.

Asset management practices will also help extend the useful life of our infrastructure. Taking a wholeof-lifecycle and strategic approach to assets will help maximise the value of existing infrastructure, better utilise our assets, and allocate resources where they are needed most.

INTEGRATE AND IMPLEMENT

As Infrastructure SA works collaboratively across government to implement the recommendations of the 2025 Strategy, we will also look at tracking our outcomes through data driven analysis.

Additionally, we will continue to identify major projects that should be prioritised in South Australia through our Capital Intentions Statement and monitor the delivery performance of the infrastructure program through our Assurance Framework.

In support of driving a productive and growing economy that will benefit current and future generations of South Australians, we look forward to continuing to provide informed and evidencebased decisions on infrastructure planning, investment, delivery and optimisation.

Driving innovation underground

Australian manufacturer JACON Equipment is shaping the future of underground construction and mining with a portfolio of machines built for rugged environments, rapid maintenance, and operator safety.

With new hybrid models and smart design features, JACON is helping contractors boost productivity while preparing for a lower emissions future.

BUILT FOR HARSH CONDITIONS

JACON machines are engineered to handle large infrastructure projects and services worldwide. From shotcrete sprayers to mobile concrete mixers and pumps, the company’s range supports some of the world’s toughest civil construction and mining projects.

Manufactured in JACON’s own factory in Vietnam and shipped worldwide, the machines are known for their toughness, ease of use, and serviceability.

“Our machines are robust and easy to work on, easy to operate, and operator-friendly,” says JACON Manager Matthew Finn.

“Our machines are reliable, and service and technical response times are very fast, within the fourhour range.”

HYBRID TECH LEADS THE CHARGE

One of JACON’s most exciting innovations is the hybrid Maxijet MX3MKII shotcrete sprayer.

The upgraded model features a 1000-volt electric motor alongside a Euro 5 diesel engine, allowing operators to switch to full electric mode during shotcreting operations underground.

“We're going into the hybrid space,” Finn says.

“You tram underground in diesel mode, and then when you get down and get set up, you can switch over to electrical and turn the diesel engine off.”

This hybrid system dramatically cuts underground emissions and reduces ambient heat, critical in helping mines manage ventilation and workforce limits.

“Customers work on emissions produced by each individual engine, and they calculate that to determine how many people can be underground,” Finn says.

“The less emissions you have, the more people you can have underground.”

Although full battery-electric machines remain some years away, hybrid technology offers an immediate pathway to greener underground operations.

“The whole world is going a lot greener,” Finn notes.

“At this early stage, the hybrid diesel-electric system is the way to go.”

SHOTCRETE HEROES: THE MAXIJET AND MIDJET

Within the rental fleet, JACON’s MaxiJet shotcrete machines remain a mainstay.

“The most popular machine I find that JACON have is our MaxiJet Shot sprayer,” Finn says.

“It’s what most customers need to do tunnels and underground hard rock mining.”

At the smaller end, JACON’s MJ4.5 Midjet punches above its weight. With a 10-metre vertical spray reach and 26 cubic metres an hour pumping output, it’s capable of delivering serious productivity in tight crosspassages and boutique tunnel works.

“It's about the size of a mediumsized car,” Finn explains.

“It can get into really tight places. It’s full drive and hydrostatic steering. Customers love it.”

Operators appreciate the Midjet’s “ease of use and maintainability”, with features like remote control operation, emergency stops, and heavy-duty construction for harsh underground environments.

SAFETY-FIRST DESIGN: THE TRANSMIX DUAL CAB

Underground safety and logistics get a further boost with JACON’s TMX5DC Transmixers, which feature cabins at either end of the vehicle.

Jacon’s Maxijet MK2 shotcrete sprayer.

“The dual cabin allows the operator to drive down the tunnel in one way, and then doesn't have to do the U-turn or try and reverse all the way down,” Finn explains.

“Once the operator empties the concrete into the shotcrete machine, he or she just jumps in the other end and drives out.”

This saves valuable time on each load and, crucially, removes the need for reversing, enhancing safety in confined and high-risk underground spaces.

“There's no need for a spotter to reverse it in. There's no need to find a space to turn around,” Finn says.

CUSTOMER-DRIVEN CUSTOMISATION

JACON’s success is built not only on robust machines but also on close collaboration with customers. Finn says JACON works “very closely” with clients to tailor machines for each project.

“We don't tell the client what they need,” he explains.

“We liaise with them, work with them, and say; ‘This is the situation, and this is how we can work with

you to get the best outcome for your project’.”

This responsiveness is particularly valuable given Australia’s wideranging environments – from the heat and dust of the Pilbara to the confined tunnels of major city metros.

All new builds feature enclosed, air-conditioned cabs, and electrical components are ruggedised for reliability in extreme conditions.

RENTAL MODEL AND FAST SUPPORT

JACON’s rental fleet is housed in Newcastle and serves projects across the country, offering flexibility and rapid deployment.

Hiring is a simple process: “We speak about their processes and what they need at site,” Finn says.

“We make sure we can provide them with the correct reach for the machine, the pumping capabilities, even the size of the machine into some of their tunnels.”

Support is on offer no matter where in the world a machine is operating.

“We have someone contactable 24/7 whether you've got rental equipment in a different country or not,” Finn said.

Remote troubleshooting via video calls, step-by-step guidance, and comprehensive manuals are standard practice.

For more serious issues, JACON liaises with local service teams or deploys field technicians to minimise downtime.

THE ROAD AHEAD: ZERO EMISSIONS AND BEYOND

Looking ahead, JACON’s focus is clear: continued innovation in hybrid and electric technology.

“Everyone is going into that zeroemission area,” Finn says.

“We’ve got to go there to keep our clients happy.”

While battery capacity is currently the main technical barrier to fully electric underground equipment, Finn is optimistic that advances will open the door to even cleaner, more efficient operations in the near future.

For now, JACON’s robust, hybridready fleet ensures that its clients – whether mining for gold or building the nation’s next major tunnel – have the tools to deliver safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Jacon’s Midjet MJ4.5 with a 10-metre vertical spray reach.

No demolition, no delays: Mainmark’s rapid re-levelling solution

Mainmark’s re-levelling of a 20,000-square-metre warehouse shows a shift in how Australia’s infrastructure is maintained: prioritising efficiency, safety and minimal disruption.

Across the country, subsidence is gradually impacting infrastructure performance, leading to increased costs due to operational delays and safety concerns.

Mainmark’s advanced technologies and solutions demonstrate that effective remediation doesn’t have to involve total replacement.

“The traditional approach was to cut it up, dig it out, and start over,” explains Laurie Andrews, one of Mainmark’s Technical Engineers, “but that’s invasive, costly, and slow.”

“We focus on precise, non-invasive repairs that restore the asset’s integrity quickly, economically, and with the least amount of operational disturbance.”

With 36 years of ground engineering and asset preservation expertise, Mainmark quietly supports Australia’s built environment. Its innovative proprietary solutions –including Teretek®, a resin injection system for re-levelling and ground improvement – enable councils,

engineers, and asset owners to re-level critical structures with minimal downtime.

LARGE-SCALE RE-LEVELLING SUCCESS

In a recent project, Mainmark was engaged to address severe subsidence to a 20,000-square-metre industrial warehouse.

The challenge was significant: 120 millimetres of differential settlement limited the warehouse's operational function, deteriorated floor slabs, and distorted and stressed the superstructure.

“This is a large structure that supports manufacturing equipment, heavy truck and vehicle traffic,” explains Andrews.

“It wasn’t safe for forklifts or racking systems, and the client’s plans to lease the space meant that every day it remained unusable, financial losses increased.”

Mainmark’s approach involved precise Teretek®® resin injections beneath the building’s pad footings

to raise, realign, and restore the superstructure. Injection points were drilled to 2.5 metres deep, and the building was gently raised in carefully planned stages – an approach designed to control stresses and prevent new cracks or damage.

“We don’t just lift and hope for the best,” Andrews emphasises.

“Each sweep is monitored carefully, and the lifting is done evenly across the structure.”

While levelling and supporting the footings, multiple Teretek® injection rigs simultaneously injected across broad floor sections to ‘float’ the slabs back to target levels. The final phase involved working on slab joints to prevent future differential movement.

The result was that Mainmark successfully met the client’s timeline within a budget significantly less than the cost of the alternate traditional demolition and replacement method.

The Teretek® application successfully level-corrected a 120-millimetre differential settlement

Teretek injection was used to level a 20,000-square-metre industrial warehouse.

of the slabs and footings, ensuring that the facility is now ready to safely use forklifts and high-level racking within operational level tolerances.

BEYOND WAREHOUSES: ROADS, BRIDGES, RAIL AND RUNWAYS

Andrews says the similarities between the warehouse project and broader infrastructure applications are quickly highlighted.

“Whether it’s beneath a warehouse, a freeway or bridge approach, a railway line or airport runway, the core challenge remains the same,” he explains.

“You must understand the problem, consider the operational requirements, and find the most effective, cost-efficient solution. Once injection is complete, the treated area is ready for use… that’s the game-changer.

“You can correct an approach slab on a busy road at night and have traffic flowing over it immediately – instead of waiting for curing or delays.”

This has proven especially valuable for public projects where extended closures are simply not an option. For example, a project at Canberra’s Federation Mall involved re-levelling sunken bridge approach slabs

over five nights, scheduled around parliamentary sittings, with no daytime disruptions.

“It’s all about working with the asset, not against it,” Andrews says. “No one wants to shut down roads, ports, or airports. With this method, that’s usually unnecessary.”

RESTORATION OVER REPLACEMENT

Andrews explains that the warehouse case study reflects a broader industry shift away from traditional rebuilds.

“We’re moving past the mindset that if something’s broken, it must be demolished and replaced. If we can address the cause, without removing or dismantling the structure, we gain significant advantages in budget, timeline and impact on the environment. In many cases, the structure can be preserved and rehabilitated,” he notes.

The cost savings are significant. At the warehouse re-levelling project, Mainmark’s solution eliminated the need for months of demolition and slab replacement. This reduces the overall repair costs and minimises the asset's downtime, allowing it to return to operation sooner. An additional key benefit is the reduced environmental

impact – an increasingly important consideration for governments and infrastructure operators.

“It’s about more than just money,” Andrews adds.

“We use fewer materials, generate less waste, and cause less disturbance. It’s a solution that balances sustainability, speed, and savings.”

TECHNICAL PRECISION WITH A LIGHT FOOTPRINT

Teretek® is applied through small, keyhole-sized injection points. The expanding resin fills voids, reestablishes contact with the subgrade, and gently lifts the structure without imposing increased loads on the underlying soils.

“This isn’t just about pushing things up,” Andrews explains.

“Teretek® is often used for targeted ground improvement as part of the overall correction process. And since it’s lightweight, it doesn’t add extra weight to already weak soils.”

Mainmark’s ability to scale allows it to undertake large infrastructure projects. The company often deploys multiple field crews and mobile rigs, operating several injection guns simultaneously. These are carefully sequenced to control the lifting process and prevent the

The technology is suitbale for projects where closure is not an option.

Images: Mainmark

introduction of new stresses to the target structure.

ADAPTING TO ANY GROUND, ANY ASSET

Mainmark’s technologies have demonstrated versatility across various infrastructure types and geologies – from warehouse structures to roads, airports, utility and government assets.

“In Australia, we encounter all sorts of challenges,” says Andrews.

“Every kind of structure, geotechnical profile, environmental condition, and operational demand.”

Mainmark’s international experience, working in Japan, New Zealand, and the UK, amplifies this adaptability.

“The fundamental principles are universal,” Andrews notes, but seldom are two projects the same.

A key strength is flexibility.

Mainmark doesn’t rely on a single

solution – instead, it customises interventions using Teretek®, JOG computer-controlled grouting, or Terefil (a lightweight cementitious fill), depending on the specific conditions.

As Andrews puts it; “We don’t go into a site with a hammer looking for nails. It’s about selecting the right tools for the right job.”

LESSONS FOR ASSET MANAGERS

Andrews has blunt advice for asset managers trying to prevent subsidence and ground movement issues: don’t wait.

“Act early,” he urges, “if you notice signs like cracks, movement, water pooling, or slab displacement, address them before they worsen. We’ve seen too many cases where delays end up doubling the costs.”

He also encourages infrastructure operators to view ground

remediation as more than just a repair – it is also a very useful form of preservation.

“Think of it like preventative maintenance,” he advises, emphasising proactive care to protect assets long-term.

LOOKING FORWARD

With infrastructure demands rising due to urban expansion and extreme weather, Andrews views non-invasive remediation as a key element of Australia’s infrastructure future.

“Every year we delay, the problem gets bigger,” he said.

“But we have the tools to address issues before they lead to failure. And we can do it quickly, cleanly, and cost-effectively.”

For more, visit mainmark.com

Mainmark has demonstrated versatility across infrastructure types.

Membership, rewired:

ISC’s bold overhaul to boost impact

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) is overhauling its membership model in a major pivot toward simplicity, strategic impact and stronger member value.

The changes are central to the Council’s broader strategy to make sustainability easier to implement – and harder to ignore –across the infrastructure sector.

While the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) continues to support programs like its successful RISE mentorship initiative, CEO Toby Kent says the bigger shift is about transforming how the organisation supports, listens to, and activates its members.

“We really want to make sure that not only does ISC value our members, but more importantly that they themselves feel valued,” Kent says.

“Being a member of ISC really helps to advance the ambitions and objectives of individuals and their organisations.”

STREAMLINING AND SEGMENTING FOR SIMPLICITY

Under the new model, ISC will cut its dozens of different membership categories down to just 10. This simplification is designed to reduce confusion, enable clearer pricing, and make it easier for organisations of all sizes and types to engage.

“Some of the tiering and groupings had become quite complex,” Kent says.

“By simplifying that structure, we can also better target our communications. At the moment, members receive a lot of information – some of it may not be relevant to them. With better segmentation, we can tailor what they receive and make it more valuable.”

The change comes alongside the launch of a new member portal, which will be rolled out in early July to coincide with the new financial year. The updated system will support a more responsive, two-way relationship between the Council

and its members, including deeper participation in working groups, thought leadership, research, and industry advocacy.

LISTENING BETTER, RESPONDING FASTER

Kent acknowledges that while ISC has long sought input from its network, some members have not always felt heard.

“We’ve done extensive qualitative and quantitative research,” he says.

“This redesign is directly informed by what our members told us they want – whether that’s more opportunities to shape the infrastructure agenda, better tools, or simply a clearer way to connect.”

The Council has already seen strong uptake in its working groups, which tackle sector-specific or cross-sectoral issues such as water, energy, and modern slavery. These will now be expanded to include new committees – including a policy group chaired by Kent himself – to give

members a stronger voice in shaping the infrastructure conversation.

“Whether you’re a small consultancy or a major contractor, members have told us they see strength in being represented collectively,” he says.

“They want ISC to influence, collaborate and drive outcomes on their behalf.”

A

NEW ROLE: CONNECTING MEMBERS WITH OPPORTUNITY

Alongside its traditional work as a standard-setter and tool provider, ISC is embracing a more proactive role in brokering partnerships and opening doors for members. It’s a shift Kent sees as crucial to amplifying the Council’s value.

“We want to act more strongly as brokers of partnerships, opportunities and ideas,” he says.

“That includes connecting members with commercial arrangements, research projects, or other initiatives that

A new member portal will be rolled out in early July.

infrastructure goals.”

One example is ISC’s partnership with sustainability-focused recruitment firm Talent Nation, which offers discounted recruitment fees to ISC members. It’s a sign of what’s to come.

“It's not about lifting ISC up for its own sake,” he says. “It’s about creating better outcomes for our members.”

This brokerage mindset extends into other areas too, including potential support for sustainable finance initiatives. ISC is exploring how it might appropriately connect members to finance-sector partners or funding pipelines.

“We’re not a financial broker, but we do have a role in bringing parties together to achieve shared sustainability goals,” Kent says.

BIG CHANGES FOR ALL SIZES

While smaller and mid-sized organisations may find the brokerage model particularly helpful, Kent is quick to stress that large members also stand to benefit from the changes.

“One of our larger productbased members said, ‘I talk to my competitors all the time – but what I want is to talk to my peers in other parts of the market,’” he says.

“That’s the value ISC brings. We connect the whole infrastructure value chain.”

Kent says the Council’s convening power is one of its most valuable assets. Through working groups, committees, and member events, ISC can bridge silos and foster cross-sector dialogue on complex sustainability issues.

The new model also aims to be inclusive of a wider array of potential members – from uniform

just the traditional engineering and construction players.

“Even if a company doesn’t immediately see itself as part of ‘infrastructure’, there’s a role to play and value to gain,” Kent says.

AMPLIFY AND SIMPLIFY

Much of ISC’s current evolution is guided by a dual strategy of “amplify and simplify”: enhancing successful programs and tools while making them more accessible and easier to apply.

RISE, the mentorship initiative now in its third round, is one example.

Backed by Gamuda, the program pairs junior sustainability professionals with experienced leaders. While RISE itself remains unchanged by the membership overhaul, it exemplifies the Council’s aim to lift emerging leaders and embed sustainability thinking in leadership pipelines.

At the same time, Kent says work is ongoing to streamline ISC’s ratings tools – like the IS Rating Scheme – to reduce friction and make them more user-friendly,

“ We’ve been told the tools are valuable, but can be hard to apply,” he says.

“That’s something we’re actively addressing.”

REAL-WORLD RESULTS, NOT JUST REPORTS

For Kent, the ultimate goal isn’t just smoother processes or broader participation – it’s measurable, real-world impact.

He points to data from one rail member which found that land cleared during early-stage development was 80 per cent lower on projects where an IS rating was applied, compared to those without.

“That’s an incredible biodiversity and nature outcome,” he says.

“We’re not about compliance for compliance’s sake. Our work must lead to real-world, positive change.”

LOOKING AHEAD

ISC’s next major conference, Connect 2026, is already being planned with these shifts in mind.

It’s just one of several initiatives that, taken together, Kent believes will transform ISC’s reach and relevance.

“When you make multiple evolutions at once – membership, tools, engagement – it starts to look pretty revolutionary,” he says.

For current members, the new model offers clearer value and more responsive engagement. For potential members, it offers a pathway into a vibrant, active network with tangible commercial and sustainability benefits.

“To existing members, we’re saying: we’ve listened. We’re acting on what you asked for,” Kent says.

“To those not yet with us: now’s the time to join. There’s real value

Images: Infrastructure

Toby Kent says the ISC wants to lead real-world, positive change.

ISC is embracing a more proactive role in brokering partnerships.

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Energy, health and compliance: the triple benefit of good air

by Philipp Schluter,

Since the world was gripped by a global pandemic, the importance of managing air contaminants has become more apparent.

As a focus of environmental, health and government scrutiny, the once-humble air filter is now pulling triple duty – as a frontline defence against airborne health threats, a lever for operational efficiency, and a quiet champion of long-term sustainability.

For facility managers and infrastructure planners, the key is to look beyond upfront costs and focus on long-term value using life cycle cost (LCC) analysis.

CLEAN AIR: A VALUABLE ASSET

Clean air has traditionally been prioritised in healthcare and laboratory environments, but postpandemic society has redefined the value of fresh, filtered air across all facility types.

From office towers to industrial workshops, schools to retail centres, indoor air quality (IAQ) is now recognised as a determinant of productivity, absenteeism, cognitive function, and even long-term disease risk.

The impacts of ultrafine particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5) on human health in terms of cardiovascular disease are well established. Recent

evidence linking IAQ with cognitive functions, even increased rates of dementia, is of great concern.

In fact, the data paints a compelling picture. Poor IAQ has been linked to drops in worker performance and higher rates of sick leave. A 2023 study by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) tellingly titled “Air quality in the workplace – the most important environmental issue you probably weren’t aware of”, found that poor indoor air quality can lead to productivity loss of as much as 15 per cent.

Enhanced IAQ, on the other hand, has been shown to improve concentration, boost cognitive test scores, and cut down on buildingrelated symptoms like fatigue and headaches – especially in highoccupancy environments such as schools and open-plan offices.

Camfil’s recent whitepaper covers a study of call centres in China, in which researchers linked higher pollution levels with measurable dips in daily output – showing that even modest improvements in air quality can drive significant economic gains.

LIFE CYCLE THINKING

LCC analysis offers a holistic method for evaluating the total cost of an asset over its lifespan. Instead of making procurement decisions based on capital expenditure (capex) alone, LCC folds in operational expenditure (opex) – including maintenance, energy usage, downtime and disposal costs.

This matters enormously when it comes to air filters. According to Camfil, a leading manufacturer of clean air solutions, facilities that invest in high-efficiency filters with lower pressure drop can reduce total cost of ownership by up to 48 per cent. That’s because energy – not the filter unit itself – accounts for the lion’s share of a filter’s environmental and financial footprint.

A poorly designed filter that creates high airflow resistance may be cheaper upfront, but will cost more in the long run by forcing fans to work harder, increasing energy bills and shortening equipment life.

By contrast, filters with optimised media and geometry maintain performance while reducing pressure drop and energy consumption –delivering better air and better value.

Air filters play a key role in operational

Sustainability and Efficiency Specialist - Camfil Australia

COMPLIANCE MEETS EFFICIENCY

Air filtration now sits at the intersection of health protection and emissions compliance. As governments tighten both filtration and energy standards, and introduce carbon reporting obligations (like Australia’s reformed Safeguard Mechanism or NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) indoor environment ratings), LCC tools become vital for aligning operational decisions with sustainability goals.

In Australia, businesses with turnover under $50 million can now access additional tax deductions for spending on energy efficiency and electrification. This opens the door to filter upgrades and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) improvements that not only reduce operational carbon, but also offer measurable tax and reputational benefits.

In this context, clean air investments are increasingly seen as part of the ESG (environmental,

social and governance ) toolkit.

With growing stakeholder scrutiny on transparency and decarbonisation, facilities that can demonstrate lower emissions through smarter equipment choices gain an edge – and LCC software is the engine room of this strategy.

In recognition of the vital part filtration plays in keeping the population healthy, key standards such as AS1668.2 has been updated (June 2024) and AS16890 has been introduced (November 2024), providing a robust regulatory framework to assist filter selection.

NOT ALL FILTERS ARE CREATED EQUAL

So, what does a smart filter investment look like in practice?

Camfil’s innovations in this space – including its upgraded Hi-Flo bag filter series – show that performance and sustainability can be engineered in tandem. The

new generation of Hi-Flo filters boasts a 12 per cent reduction in energy consumption compared to previous models, and more than 30 per cent lower than the industry average, based on Eurovent data. The gap in Australia is even greater, given most buildings still rely on AS1324 rated filters, a standard that is several decades out of date in international comparison.

The smarts are in the media and the design. Modern manufacturing technology allows ultra-finely spun, high-lofted media to capture finer particles, in far greater quantity and for much longer, than previous coarse media that relies on a fleeting electrostatic charge. Further, filters that use more media surface area, conical bag seams, and optimised airflow paths offer significantly lower initial pressure drops. The innovations extend filter life, reduce maintenance, and cut back on pollution – all of which contribute to lower Scope Three greenhouse gas emissions.

Urban, industrial and office sites all have air quality needs.

Even more compelling is the shift from dual-stage to single-stage filtration.

Many traditional HVAC systems use a prefilter followed by a fine filter to protect the fine filter and extend its life, but this setup often results in higher total energy use due to the combined airflow resistance. Camfil’s high-capacity filters are designed for single-stage operation without compromising air quality, simplifying system design and reducing energy demand, while still lasting two to four times longer than traditional filters.

PRECISION PLANNING

The real power of LCC analysis lies in its ability to model real-world performance, not just theoretical specs. By factoring in local utility rates, hours of operation, contaminant load, fan efficiency and labour costs, LCC software can simulate the full financial and environmental profile of a filter over time.

This enables facility managers to compare filter options based on more than just unit cost or MERV rating.

It also provides a defensible basis

for capital investment decisions – a key advantage when justifying upgrades to finance teams or sustainability auditors.

For example, while a single-stage system may reduce energy use and simplify design, a two-stage setup can sometimes offer greater overall value depending on the building’s needs. When LCC is applied, the combined impacts of energy use, filter lifespan and maintenance requirements often reveal a more nuanced picture. In some cases, dual-stage systems may extend filter life or reduce cleaning costs, tipping the scale in their favour over time.

The optimal configuration may differ depending on building type,

occupancy, pollution levels, and air change requirements – which is precisely why site-specific modelling is essential.

CLEAN AIR AS INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

The infrastructure sector is under pressure to deliver not just built outcomes, but smart, sustainable and health-positive environments. In this context, air quality is no longer a background concern – it’s a strategic lever.

Filters are typically housed inside air handling units or ventilation systems.

Why investing in sustainability is ‘Good Business’

Sustainability is no longer a peripheral consideration in infrastructure planning and investment. It has become a central pillar of risk mitigation, value creation and long-term competitiveness.

Increasingly, institutional investors and superannuation funds are recalibrating their portfolios to align with the realities of a decarbonised construction industry. This is not just a moral or environmental response – it is also a commercial one. Sustainability has evolved into a conduit for sound governance, operational resilience, and future-ready performance.

CAPITAL IS FOLLOWING CARBON REDUCTION INITIATIVES

Today’s investors are under mounting pressure to allocate capital in a way that reflects the climate objectives of their

members and clients. According to AustralianSuper – one of the country’s largest superannuation funds – climate change is one of the most significant long-term risks to investment portfolios. Their strategy is clear; reduce exposure to high-emitting assets and increase investment in opportunities that support the transition to a lowcarbon economy.

This is not about sacrifice, it’s about foresight. Sustainable investments are increasingly outperforming traditional benchmarks, driven by strong demand, regulatory tailwinds, and growing expectations from

society. Infrastructure that embeds sustainability into its design, materials, and delivery has the potential to attract greater investor confidence, better financing terms, and enhanced social licence.

SENSE SOLUTIONS: LOWERING EMBODIED CARBON AS A STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE

In this context, material selection takes on a new strategic focus. One of the most promising levers for improving a project's carbon profile without compromising performance is by reducing the embodied carbon at the design and procurement stage of construction.

Sustainable investments are increasingly outperforming traditional benchmarks.

SENSE Solutions by InfraBuild is making in-roads in this space.

As a lower-embodied carbon steel innovation, SENSE Solutions provides a credible, independently verified pathway to reduce embodied carbon in construction, which is critical for projects seeking to meet investor-grade sustainability benchmarks.

The SENSE Solutions range of sustainable steel is underpinned by rigorous research and development, and compliance with Australian building and sustainability codes and certifications. It offers project developers and asset owners an impactful way to reduce Scope Three emissions, demonstrate climate leadership, and align with sustainable investment strategies.

David Bell, Manager Sustainability and Insight at InfraBuild, sees this shift gaining momentum across the market.

“We’ve reached the point where embodied carbon must be factored into any credible decarbonisation strategy. Innovative products which make it possible to address these emissions early before they’re locked into an asset for decades are a welcome initiative.”

RETHINKING HOW WE PERCEIVE PROJECT VALUE

What constitutes value in infrastructure is being looked at through a new lens. The traditional metrics of cost, time and delivery are now accompanied by a new element: sustainability. This includes not only environmental performance, but transparency of supply chains, long-term operational efficiency, and compatibility with climate-related financial disclosures.

As Emeritus Professor Stephen Foster, UNSW Dean of Engineering puts it; “Sustainability credentials are now investment credentials.”

“The ability to offer and quantify a credible lower embodied carbon solution is fast becoming a prerequisite for access to capital, stakeholder trust and competitive advantage.”

Tools such as the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s IS Rating Scheme and the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star frameworks are further reinforcing these expectations. As they become embedded in the investment decision-making process, the value of lower-embodied carbon materials like SENSE Solutions only increases.

THE FUTURE OF INVESTMENT IN SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE HAS ALREADY STARTED

The infrastructure sector sits at a critical juncture where climate, capital and community converge. Those who can deliver large-scale assets with a clear decarbonisation vision will not only meet the expectations of regulators and investors – they will outperform in a market that increasingly rewards sustainability as a strategy.

This shift is already taking shape, with one in two investors now prioritising buildings with green certifications. It’s a clear signal that ESG is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a central pillar of investment strategy, shaped by tightening regulation and rising occupier demands.

By embedding innovative steel solutions like SENSE Solutions into their supply chains, infrastructure leaders can take meaningful steps toward a low-emission future, while also de-risking investments, strengthening industry reputation and securing long term value. Because in today’s economy, sustainability is not a cost of doing business, it is good business.

Embodied carbon can be reduced at the design and procurement stages.

Built to last (and resist rodents)

Australia’s web of tunnels, rail lines and critical infrastructure increasingly relies on robust, long-distance communication networks.

Fibre optic cabling – quiet, light, and capable of carrying vast amounts of data – is becoming essential, not just for transmitting information, but for underpinning the operation of road and rail systems themselves.

While the cables may run underground and out of sight, the engineering behind them is anything but simple. That’s where specialists like Madison Express enter the picture, supplying a diverse range of optical fibre products tailored for complex, high-risk environments.

George Karanikolaou, General Manager at Madison Express, explains that the company’s infrastructure portfolio closely overlaps with its transport offerings.

“Within that space, we focus on three main product categories: cables for rail systems, cables for road transport applications, and optical fibre cables,” he says.

DIFFERENT CABLES FOR DIFFERENT CHALLENGES

Each application presents distinct technical demands. For example, cables used in road intersections often support traffic management systems.

“When we talk about intersections, we're talking about what's called the detective loop, which is embedded in the road surface,” says Karanikolaou.

“When a car stops at the intersection, it detects that there's a car there, and that fires an automated process that determines when to change the lights.”

These systems typically rely on short-run copper cables – often only a few hundred metres in length – that connect a sensor loop to a control panel. In contrast, rail applications require communication and control cables running station-to-station.

“Most states will have their own specification, or even on a project basis there might be a requirement specific to that installation,” Karanikolaou says.

“So we're well versed in designing cables to meet those sorts of custom requirements.”

However, it's fibre cabling that handles the heavy lifting across longer distances and complex environments.

“Fibre cables basically run along the road and are used to communicate all sorts of stuff,” Karanikolaou says.

“It could be connected to cameras, and all sorts of control systems that the rail operators have got.”

ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES ON INFRASTRUCTURE FIBRE

Deploying fibre over long distances introduces a range of challenges not typically encountered with copper. Infrastructure environments demand resilience to mechanical stress, moisture, temperature shifts, pests, and even vandalism.Designers have to factor all this in.

“[Operators] are often worried about the life of the cables,” says Karanikolaou.

“So they're looking for something that has a very long life.”

This includes consideration of rodent and termite attack.

“Rodents like to chew stuff. They have to chew – otherwise their teeth grow too long and they can't eat,” he explains.

“So cables are good for them.”

In some areas, such as Queensland and Western Australia, termites present an additional risk, especially in reactive soils.

In response, Madison Express has developed cable variants under its Garland brand that incorporate layered protective strategies – ranging from glass yarns and fibre-reinforced polymers to steel tape armour (CSTA), which acts as a physical barrier to pests.

“We've had some very extensive testing done by laboratories in Queensland,” says Karanikolaou.

“They’ve been qualified for probably the hardest rodent test that you can do.”

BALANCING COMPETING DEMANDS IN DESIGN

Infrastructure projects often bring with them design tensions, particularly in tunnel environments where fibre cables may be expected to perform under fire or flooding conditions.

“In a tunnel, people want the cable to be fire-retardant, or to be flameproof so that it continues to operate even if it's burning,” Karanikolaou explains.

“At the same time, they want the cable to be waterproof because the tunnel could flood. These are opposing requirements.”

To make a fibre cable waterproof, jelly is typically used to fill the tubes –but the jelly is flammable.

“You need to balance these things out in the design and the way you put your cable together,” he says.

One advantage, Karanikolaou argues, is the company’s ability to produce custom-engineered solutions.

“We pride ourselves on the ability to custom design cables for these sorts of applications and to meet customer requirements,” he says.

“To also offer alternatives that people may not have thought of.”

TAILORED SOLUTIONS, NOT TEMPLATE OFFERINGS

Karanikolaou says offering offthe-shelf products is only part of the business. Just as critical is the ability to participate in early-stage design conversations and adapt specifications in response to project needs – particularly where timelines or environmental factors introduce complexity.

“When we are asked to offer tenders for larger projects, instead of just offering what's requested, we will often offer a number of options that may provide cost or implementation benefits to the end user,” he says.

“We've won projects because we've done that and other people haven't.”

While unable to name current projects due to commercial agreements, Karanikolaou confirmed Madison Express is supplying multiple major Australian infrastructure builds at present.

SUPPLY

CHAIN AND LOCAL ASSEMBLY

Although the company sources some components from overseas, it manages assembly and final configuration in Australia.

“The cable, we don’t make locally,” Karanikolaou says.

“But we stock the cable locally. The pre-termination is all done locally – we do that all locally. So it’s what we call ‘assembled in Australia’.”

Pre-terminated fibre cabling is a growing part of the portfolio, particularly for installations under 500 metres.

Terminating fibre on site is a specialist task – requiring a clean environment, skilled personnel and often a temporary tent to control dust and moisture.

“It’s not very cost-effective,” he says.

“With pre-term, you tell us the length and connector, and we supply it pre-terminated. Pull it in, take the ends off, plug it in – you’re ready to go.”

This approach can significantly reduce installation time, particularly in remote or weather-exposed locations where scheduling and access issues are common.

SHIFTING STANDARDS AND LONG-TERM THINKING

Madison Express avoids some common overseas practices when it comes to pest-proofing, particularly the use of chemical additives or irritants within cable jackets.

“As an Australian company, we don’t like this approach,” Karanikolaou says.

“We go down the path of what’s tried and true and not going to create problems. We’re a responsible organisation. We’re here for the long term.”

The company has been operating

since the early 1990s and remains Australian-owned. Its head office is in Brisbane, with warehouses in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and regional distribution across Tasmania and Newcastle.

Beyond fibre, the business also supplies a suite of associated components: connectors, patch panels, pigtails, racks and through adapters, under brands including Garland and R&M.

“We can provide a pretty much turnkey, end-to-end passive solution,” says Karanikolaou.

CLOSING THE LOOP

In an infrastructure landscape that is only becoming more data-intensive, fibre is no longer just a telecoms issue – it is a foundational part of how transport networks function and evolve.

“We're not just about selling cable,” Karanikolaou reflects.

“We're about engineering advantage – solving problems, customising solutions, and thinking creatively.”

Reinforced Concrete Design Workshop: Module Two

Industrial Buildings Design Workshop

Concrete Pipes & Pipeline Design Workshop

Cracking in Concrete Design Workshop

Industrial Concrete Floors Design Workshop

2025 UPCOMING COURSES

Repair & Protection Workshop: Concrete, Steel & Masonry

Transmission & Communication Towers Design Workshop

Cold-Formed Steel Design Workshop

Building Code of Australia (BCA/NCC) Course

Pile Foundations Design Workshop

Timber Design Workshop: Module One

Concrete Technology Design Workshop

Accounting & Management for Engineers Course

Process Piping (Pressure) Design Workshop

Masonry Design Workshop

FRP Structural Design Workshop

Metallurgy Materials Workshop

Reinforced Design Workshop: Module One

Forensic Engineering Design Workshop

Glass & Aluminium Façade Design Workshop

Prestressed Concrete Design Workshop

Hydraulic Engineering Design Workshop

Residential Slabs & Footings Design Workshop

On-Site Detention Systems Design Workshop

Shallow Foundations Design Workshop

Risk Management Workshop

Geotechnical design software for engineers

by Paul Uno, Director – Engineering Training Institute Australia (ETIA)

Before the days of computers, most structural and geotechnical calculations were done by hand using calculators (or a slide rule!). The only consolation was that when you used the formulas, you understood the basic principles that you were applying and you had an idea of what the answer should be (within a certain range). These days, the engineering design calculation process is mainly carried out using computers.

Engineers involved in infrastructure work are often confronted with projects involving roads, bridges, power transmission and communication structures. All these areas involve the design of foundations and geotechnical work.

The grandfather of soil mechanics, Karl von Terzaghi, produced incredibly powerful formulas in 1943 to provide engineers with the ability to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of all soil types. He himself developed his formulas based upon the brilliant work of Prandtl, in Germany twenty years earlier. New and improved bearing capacity formulas with modified bearing factors (e.g. Nc, Nq and N γ) were introduced in the 1960’s and 1970’s by people such as Meyerhof, Vesic and Hansen.

Even the basic Winkler ‘beam on elastic foundations’ model, whilst a powerful tool to design foundations, had its shortcomings. It accounted for the soil reaction to the loading above but did not allow for the

shearing action of soil adjacent to the foundation, that was also affected by the applied loading. This anomaly was corrected in the 1950’s by a Russian engineer named, Pasternak, who introduced a shear layer into the model.

The basic soil models used back then are still applicable today as well as more advanced models (e.g. Drucker-Prager and Cam-Clay models – just to name a few).

Currently, there are software programs in the marketplace (e.g. Fine GEO5) that can do these foundation calculations faster and with more accuracy than we could all those years ago. You can model the soils to be elastic, plastic or elasto-plastic.

When designing for a potential slip circle failure plane, an engineer would have to choose a random point above and away from the side where the failure would occur, then proceed to work out all the forces that would cause slip and

all the forces that would resist slip. If the resistance value, divided by the slip instability value, exceeded the safety factor, then the process was deemed to be satisfied. Various methods were available to carry out this process (e.g. Swedish, Bishop, Janbu, Spencer, Sarma, Morgenstern-Price). The only problem is that there could have been another failure plane (i.e. circular, non-circular or planar) that would produce a factor of safety less than one that had not been checked (due to the amount of time required to carry out the analysis by hand using any one of the methods mentioned above).

Geotechnical software programs such as the Fine GEO5 “Slope Stability” analyse hundreds of points above an embankment or hill side cutting to locate and determine the lowest factor of safety – and it does this in a matter of seconds! Fine GEO5 Software have over 35 programs including Spread Footing,

ETIA conducts full day training courses online

Pile Design, Retaining Walls and Sheeting Design, Rock Stability, Masonry and Cantilever Wall, Ground Loss and Settlement, and more.

Fine GEO5 even has a Finite Element Analysis (FEM) program that can analyse the most complex combination of soil layers and loads.

Fine GEO5 are always developing its suite of programs and recently have released a new program that produces geotechnical soil log reports (a boon to geologists and geotechnical engineers).

In 2025, Fine GEO5 (based in Europe) converted their whole process to a Cloud based system which eliminates the need for design engineers to purchase hard keys (i.e. USB’s).

The Fine GEO5 company allows engineers to either purchase individual programs as perpetual licences or one year subscription licenses (at only 40 per cent of the full cost). An even better option is to purchase packages that incorporate many of the individual programs, but at a much cheaper overall cost – in some cases up to 50 per cent saving compared to buying the programs individually.

“Geotechnical

software programs such as the Fine GEO5 “Slope Stability”, analyses hundreds of points above an embankment or hill side cutting to locate and determine the lowest factor of safety – and it does this in a matter of seconds!”

From 23 – 25 July 2025, ETIA will be promoting Fine GEO5 software at the 2025 Geology Conference in Brisbane, QLD. At our stand, we will be demonstrating how to use GEO5 software to design various geotech structures and other geotechnical areas such as Retaining Walls, Pile Foundations, Slope Stability, Soil Laboratory reports and a whole range of other topics.

ETIA also conduct full day training courses via Zoom. These topics include: Residential Slabs and Footings Design, Shallow Foundations Design, as well as Slope Stability, Retaining Walls, and Pile Foundations Design. A brand-new ETIA workshop being introduced in 2025, is the “Transmission and

Communication Towers (including PowerPoles) Design Workshop”. This area is a key part of infrastructure in the 21st century. Engineers who attend our ETIA workshops (via Zoom or Face to Face) are entitled to a 10 per cent discount on all Fine GEO5 purchases. This offer is only available for purchases made via our Australian ETIA website (Note: This offer is not available if purchases are made direct to Fine Software in Europe).

Visit www.etia.net.au to see the full list of courses, workshops, dates and locations, as well as the Fine GEO5 software programs available in 2025.

ETIA will demonstrate how to use GEO5 software for various geotech structures. Images:

Why build when you can optimise? A smarter transport future

By Shine Salur, Industry Development Director – Transport, Brightly, a Siemens company

In the heart of every city, roads, bridges, and tunnels quietly serve millions of people each day. But behind this seamless movement lies a persistent challenge: how to keep assets in good condition without escalating costs, increasing carbon emissions, or causing avoidable disruptions.

Fachieving improved financial and environmental outcomes.

A SMARTER APPROACH: MAINTAINING INSTEAD OF REPLACING

A major misconception in infrastructure management is that ageing assets must be replaced. Through access to better information and data driven insights, maintenance regimes can be tailored to allow roads and bridges to operate for decades longer in some instances.

Highways may eventually benefit from real-time sensors and innovative materials (such as smart pavement materials) that can self-repair minor cracks or damage, reducing maintenance needs and extending asset life. But for now, agencies must focus on capturing accurate data, integrating systems, and making decisions grounded in reality rather than theory.

A PRAGMATIC, TIERED APPROACH TO ASSET MANAGEMENT

or decades, transport agencies have taken a simplistic approach to asset management, often only reacting to issues as they arise and replacing ageing infrastructure with new. This firefighting mentality can be costly, inefficient, and ultimately unsustainable, often prioritising short-term political gains over long-term public value.

But a revolution is underway. Around the world, transport agencies and contractors are embracing AI, data-driven tools, and sensor technologies to extend asset life and improve efficiency. By shifting away from reactive maintenance towards predictive asset management, and optimising existing infrastructure through better informed decision making, organisations are

Whole-life cost analysis shows that timely, planned actions – like resurfacing a road, strengthening a bridge, or recalibrating tunnel ventilation operations – can significantly extend asset life. These strategies also reduce the environmental footprint of construction by cutting material waste, lowering emissions, and prioritising resilience over expansion.

GET THE BASICS RIGHT BEFORE DIVING INTO AI

While AI holds enormous promise for transforming asset management, many transport organisations still struggle with the fundamentals: capturing reliable data, maintaining accurate asset registers, and enabling meaningful data flow between systems.

Without consistent, reliable, and meaningful data, even the most sophisticated AI solutions fall short. So, the most pressing challenge today isn’t adopting AI, it’s building the data foundations that make AI viable and valuable.

What’s needed is a structured and balanced approach, one that links long-term strategic planning with tactical decision-making and operational delivery. This three-tier model ensures that interventions are not only cost-effective, but aligned with broader objectives and grounded in accurate data.

The real value lies not just in adopting new technologies, but in ensuring that planners, engineers, and asset managers collaborate to extract actionable insights from the information they have.

MANAGE BETTER, NOT JUST BUILD MORE

The future of transport infrastructure isn’t about building more – it’s about managing smarter. It’s time to move away from crisis-driven decisions and toward a data-informed, sustainabilityfocused approach that delivers longterm value over short-term wins.

For more information, visit brightlysoftware.com/transport

The future of transport infrastructure isn’t about building more – it’s about managing smarter.

Power resilience by design

The latest Australian standard for battery chargers offers infrastructure leaders a clear path to safer, smarter energy continuity.

In Australia’s energy and infrastructure sectors, the expectation of uninterrupted power is no longer aspirational — it’s operationally essential. As demands on critical systems intensify, infrastructure owners must ensure their backup power strategies are not only compliant but engineered for resilience.

The introduction of AS4044:2024 marks a critical shift in the way stationary battery chargers are specified, installed and managed. More than a regulatory update, the standard sets a national benchmark for performance, safety and longterm infrastructure.

A SMARTER STANDARD FOR TODAY’S NETWORKS

AS4044:2024 responds directly to the operational realities of Australia’s energy landscape — from the integration of modern systems to the mitigation of ageing asset risks. The standard defines stringent safety and performance parameters that reflect real-world conditions, offering a structured pathway to greater reliability.

Key features include:

· Advanced system compatibility with Switch Mode Rectifiers and PhaseControlled Chargers

· Neutral current limitations to reduce overheating and electrical imbalance

· Built-in charge control to extend battery life and mitigate failure risk

· Cable colour standardisation for consistent, safer installation

· Real-time diagnostics that enable early fault detection and preventative maintenance

· EMC compliance to reduce interference across complex operating environments

Each requirement is designed not just to meet compliance — but to enhance resilience and elevate system integrity across critical operations.

FROM COMPLIANCE TO CAPABILITY

For asset owners, adopting AS4044:2024 is not a technical formality – it is a decisive move toward greater operational assurance. The standard equips organisations to reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs and deliver consistent system performance under pressure.

These are not incremental gains. They are strategic advantages for infrastructure providers navigating growing regulatory expectations, increased energy loads and evolving risk profiles.

AS4044:2024 is not just a standard. It is a new baseline for mission-critical power system performance.

LEADING THE TRANSITION

As infrastructure leaders transition to AS4044:2024, technology partners that have embedded

compliance into their system design will be essential to achieving rapid, risk-free implementation.

Century Yuasa Power Systems has proactively aligned its Intelepower systems with the new standard. Designed for Australian conditions and supported by a national service network, these systems offer asset operators immediate access to proven, standardscompliant solutions.

With more than three decades of expertise in industrial and utilitygrade energy systems, Century Yuasa continues to deliver solutions that combine engineering precision with trusted power and unmatched reliability — supporting a safer, more resilient infrastructure future.

To access the full whitepaper, scan the QR code or visit intelepower.com.au

Image: Century Yuasa

New standards become a baseline for power system performance.

Combining the resources of our respected editorial team with the knowledge and insights of some of the best and brightest minds in the sector, Infrastructure shares thought-leading and thought-provoking content that tackles the industry’s critical questions.

www.infrastructuremagazine.com.au

Building Australia’s future in heavy construction materials

By Michael Kilgariff, CEO, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA)

Australia’s infrastructure ambitions are both vast and indispensable. From the delivery of city-shaping transport corridors and regional development programs, defence, housing, and the nation’s transition to renewable energy, our collective future rests on a foundation that must be strong, scalable and sustainable. Cement, concrete and aggregates form the literal and figurative bedrock of that future.

As the Chief Executive Officer of Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia, I represent an industry ready and able to lead this transformation. Our members span every state and territory, operate across a wide range of scales, and contribute directly to every major infrastructure initiative underway or on the horizon. We are an essential and high-performing sector that contributes over $15 billion to Australia’s GDP each year, directly employing more than 30,000 Australians and supporting a further 80,000 jobs indirectly.

Yet, despite our critical role, construction materials are still too often treated as passive inputs –commodity resources rather than strategic enablers of infrastructure success. The reality is that without smart, secure, and sustainable access to heavy construction materials, national goals such as decarbonisation, productivity reform, and circular economy integration cannot be achieved.

That is why CCAA has led the development of several detailed, reform-oriented submissions in 2024-2025, including our April 2025 submission on the National Construction Strategy for Transport Infrastructure. These submissions articulate the industry’s blueprint for integrating material supply, carbon reduction, and innovation into a coherent national framework – one that aligns with Australia’s economic and environmental aspirations.

The challenge before us is not just whether we can meet our infrastructure needs sustainably.

The real test is whether we can move quickly and decisively enough to seize the moment – and to do so with the right policy settings, investment frameworks, and collaborative spirit.

INNOVATION THROUGH PERFORMANCE-BASED STANDARDS

One of the most significant barriers to sustainable progress in the construction sector lies in outdated and overly prescriptive technical standards. Chief among these is AS 3972-2010, which governs General Purpose and Blended Cements. This standard continues to constrain the adoption of low-carbon cement formulations, including those with higher limestone content and increased use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, slag and new pozzolan types.

Reforming AS 3972 could cut embodied carbon in concrete by as much as ten per cent. But more broadly, a shift to performancebased specifications – embedded across planning, procurement, and compliance frameworks – is urgently needed. This approach empowers engineers and suppliers to innovate, reduces compliance complexity, and enables fit-for-purpose innovative solutions that lower costs without compromising safety or durability. National harmonisation of standards is also a crucial goal. Suppliers operating across multiple jurisdictions currently face fragmented requirements that inhibit investment and limit productivity. Through industry collaboration, and close engagement with Standards Australia and relevant technical committees, we can align our

Image: istockphoto.com/Steve Tritton

Rozelle Interchange is a key part of the WestConnex project.

specifications with international best practices and support a nextgeneration infrastructure sector.

PLANNING FOR MATERIALS, NOT JUST PROJECTS

A recurring theme in public discourse is the claim that material shortages are driving up costs and causing infrastructure delays. CCAA challenges this assertion. Our industry has the operational capability, technical expertise, and financial capacity to meet current and future demand. The true constraint lies in planning and regulatory bottlenecks.

A coordinated National Heavy Construction Materials Plan is needed to secure strategic resource access, protect proximity to highdemand areas, and streamline development approvals for extractive industries and batch plants. Urban encroachment, land use conflicts, and inconsistent local government conditions threaten the reliability of supply chains and increase transportrelated emissions.

Our April submission on the Development of a National Construction Strategy for Transport Infrastructure recommends such a plan as a core pillar of the national strategy – backed by Infrastructure Australia’s own data showing rising supply pressures in several metropolitan and regional markets. Without strategic planning for heavy construction materials, we risk project cost blowouts, construction delays, and increased environmental footprints.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND RECYCLED MATERIAL INTEGRATION

Australia’s transition to a circular economy is gaining momentum, and the heavy construction materials industry has long played a leadership role in this space. Many of our members incorporate industrial by-products – like fly ash and blast furnace slag – into their production processes. Increasingly, recycled aggregates from demolition waste are being used to replace virgin materials in concrete and road base applications.

The use and processing of waste materials is a long-established practice for our industry.

'Wastes' of this nature are also used as alternate raw materials to be fed into the process itself to be coprocessed and recycle the materials while reducing CO2 emissions.

But if circularity is to scale, it must be enabled by national procurement frameworks, harmonised regulations, and market-driven incentives. CCAA supports the creation of a nationally accessible database of recycled material availability and performance, alongside federal funding programs to support Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for cement and concrete products.

These measures not only help lower lifecycle emissions – they also allow for more informed procurement and specification decisions that are based on verified environmental impact data. EPDs are central to a performancebased, outcomes-driven infrastructure strategy.

TOWARDS NET ZERO: STRATEGIC DECARBONISATION PATHWAYS

CCAA has mapped out a practical, science-based pathway to net zero carbon cement and concrete by 2050, as outlined in our industry’s Decarbonisation Facilitation Plan and the landmark VDZ report, Decarbonisation Pathways for the Australian Cement and Concrete Sector. These documents reflect a whole-of-sector commitment to innovation, collaboration, and technological transition.

Key actions include accelerating the adoption of low-carbon binders, incentivising carbon capture, electrifying plant and transport fleets, and aligning policy settings to support alternative fuels and renewable energy uptake. Equally important is a lifecycle approach to carbon measurement – one that recognises the durability and recarbonation potential of concrete over time.

Government partnerships will be vital. We recommend that jurisdictions be rewarded through

National Competition Policy payments for adopting performancebased construction specifications and supporting circular material plans. Without these mechanisms, we risk slowing progress at a time when acceleration is vital.

WORKFORCE, SAFETY AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Beyond materials and standards, our industry knows that transformation depends on people. We strongly support the National Construction Strategy for Transport Infrastructure’s focus on workplace culture, safety enforcement, and workforce training. This includes targeted initiatives to upskill contractors and project managers in the use of low-carbon concrete products, and stronger enforcement of WHS and anti-harassment policies on worksites.

The shift to modern construction methods and materials must be supported by a skilled, inclusive, and future-ready workforce. This is not just a social or compliance imperative – it is fundamental to delivering high-quality, efficient infrastructure projects at scale.

A SMART, SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IS WITHIN REACH

Australia’s heavy construction materials industry is not standing still. We are evolving, decarbonising, digitising, and ready to scale. But we need government and industry to work together to unlock the full potential of this transition.

Let’s treat materials policy as infrastructure policy. Let’s embed sustainability into procurement, planning, and design. And let’s ensure that the road to 2050 is not only ambitious, but also achievable.

If we build with purpose – guided by data, enabled by reform, and inspired by innovation – Australia’s infrastructure legacy will be one of resilience, productivity, and sustainability.

To find out more about the industry's decarbonisation facilitation plan, visit ccaa.com.au

The industry wants to integrate material supply, carbon reduction, and innovation into a national framework

Big things in Australia’s infrastructure pipeline

Anthony Albanese’s federal election victory may have cemented Labor’s mandate to continue reshaping Australia’s infrastructure landscape.

With many nation-building projects needed, the government now faces both opportunity and pressure. It can finish what it started, break ground on transformative new ventures, and prove that big-ticket infrastructure can deliver real value amid fiscal tightening.

Billions of dollars are already flowing into road, rail, energy and urban development projects across the country, many co-funded by state and federal investment.

As 2025 unfolds, the national project pipeline is split between major builds nearing completion and fresh undertakings just breaking ground.

Here’s a look at what’s finishing, what’s starting and what’s at stake.

NEARING THE FINISH LINE

Victoria is closing in on some of its most high-profile infrastructure milestones.

The Metro Tunnel is expected to open in 2025. With a price tag of $12.8 billion, the underground rail line includes twin nine-kilometre tunnels under Melbourne’s CBD and five new stations. It is one of the largest public transport investments in the state’s history.

In recent updates, the State Government said it had been conducting extensive train testing

through the completed parts of the tunnel.

Not far behind is the West Gate Tunnel, a $10.2 billion toll road designed to ease congestion on the West Gate Bridge and remove trucks from local streets in Melbourne’s inner west. While plagued by cost blowouts and delays related to disposal of contaminated soil, the tunnel is on track to open by the end of 2025.

Also wrapping up soon is Project EnergyConnect, a 900-kilometre high-voltage transmission line linking South Australia and New  South Wales, with a spur into Victoria.

Backed by the Federal Government

Projects starting this year extend well into the future.

and considered key to the energy transition, it should improve grid stability and support renewable energy flow across state borders.

The first stage from Robertstown in South Australia to Buronga in NSW, as well as the spur to Victoria, became operational in April 2025. The second stage is scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2026.

Western Sydney’s rapidly growing suburbs are set to benefit from the M12 Motorway, a 16-kilometre toll-free road connecting the M7 to the new Western Sydney Airport. The $1 billion road is designed to unlock freight and commuter access in the region. It is currently over 90 per cent complete, and is scheduled to open ahead of the airport’s 2026 launch.

Meanwhile, Victoria’s Level Crossing Removal Project – a long-running safety and congestion program – has removed over 85 crossings and rebuilt 48 stations as of early 2025, with the ultimate goal of 110 removals and 51 station upgrades by 2030.

THE NEXT WAVE

Fresh funding and renewed political capital will be directed at a new crop of mega-projects set to reshape cities and boost economic productivity.

Leading the charge is the Sydney Metro West, an underground rail line connecting the northern Sydney City Centre to Westmead in the western suburbs of Greater Sydney. Billed as a fast, high-capacity alternative to existing lines, the project is intended to slash travel times and support high-density development along its corridor. With tunnelling underway, 2025 is likely to be a critical year for

construction milestones, on the way to a scheduled completion date in 2032.

In Queensland, the $3 billion Coomera Connector – sometimes dubbed the “Second M1” – is set to relieve congestion along the Gold Coast corridor. The first stage between Coomera and Nerang has moved into early works, with construction to ramp up over the year.

Tasmania, too, will soon get its turn in the national spotlight.

The proposed Macquarie Point Stadium in Hobart, forecast to cost $775 million, is tied to the state’s entry into the AFL via the Tasmania Devils. While contentious, the project has secured federal support and is expected to start construction in late 2025.

Back in Victoria, federal funding has kept the Melbourne Airport Rail Link alive. With a $13 billion budget and an injection of $2 billion from Canberra, the rail line will connect the city’s airport to the CBD via Sunshine. It is a politically symbolic project too – having been promised for decades.

Urban infill and precinct redevelopment projects are also gaining traction. In Sydney’s west, the $5 billion Melrose Park urban renewal is transforming a former industrial site into a dense, transitoriented community. The Aeris stage, including nearly 500 apartments, is set to begin construction this year.

POLITICS, PRESSURE, AND PAYOFFS

While the Federal Government has kept infrastructure funding largely

intact through recent budget reviews, pressure is mounting to ensure projects deliver measurable benefits. That means resisting vanity builds, and more focus on cost control, strategic value and resilience to climate and population shifts.

Infrastructure Australia’s revised Priority List – which it says is becoming more streamlined and focused – offers guidance on where future federal support may flow. It also shows that public appetite is shifting toward more sustainable, integrated and regionally-distributed investments, rather than purely city-centric mega-projects.

For Albanese, the infrastructure agenda is personal as well as political. As a former transport minister and long-time proponent of rail investment, his government may stake some economic credibility on projects that promise jobs, productivity, and emissions reductions.

However, with global supply chain disruptions, rising construction costs, and tighter labour markets, delivery risks remain high. Several projects, including Sydney Metro and the Melbourne Airport Link, have already seen budget pressures and timeline blowouts.

WHAT WILL FOLLOW?

With the new government now firmly installed, voters and investors alike will be watching for progress – cranes in the sky, tunnel borers in the ground, and trains on new tracks.

With shovels in the dirt and scissors poised for ribbon cuttings, 2025 could mark a high point in Australia’s infrastructure history

The finishing touches are being put on some major works this year.

Paving the path to inclusivity

Amarapave is working to drive inclusivity in the construction and asphalt sectors by supporting opportunities and role models for women, non-binary individuals and other minorities hoping to enter the industry. Managing Director Jenika Stubelj, a speaker at the 2025 Converge Expo, explains.

The infrastructure and construction sectors have placed a great importance on the development of diverse workforces.

While the industry is working to address cultural reform, surveys suggest women represent only three per cent of tradespeople, highlighting the industry’s need to attract a more diverse cohort to battle workforce shortages.

It’s here that Amarapave is helping to turn the tide.

The social enterprise specialises in asphalt paving services within the construction industry, with a distinctive mission to transform workforce diversity and inclusion.

As well as providing professional asphalt services, Amarapave is actively challenging industry stereotypes and creating employment opportunities for underrepresented groups. The company faces barriers that have stood for years.

Amarapave Managing Director Jenika Stubelj says that while creating meaningful employment opportunities across different backgrounds and identities is a priority for the company, so too is the quality of its projects.

“We can deliver an asphalt paving job just as well as every other company with regards to quality. But we're also showcasing that there’s a different way of thinking,” Stubelj says.

“Ash (MacMahon, Field Director – Amarapave), who identifies as non-binary, runs our crew. I don’t think that’s been seen before in the asphalt industry.

“We're very much about breaking stereotypes and empowering people. The best way to do that is to actually get out there and showcase our work.”

Converge expo 2025 is doing just that, by providing a platform for industry changers and leaders to showcase and exchange ideas and solutions, in the hope of improving the

industry across the board.

Converge is a brand-new expo that for the first time will bring together Municipal Works and Commercial and Civil Construction, to provide attendees a glimpse at Australia’s infrastructure future.

“We work in a field where we're always innovating, and we're always looking for a better way to do things,“ Stubelj says. “At trade shows like Converge, you go along with the intention to learn and see what the rest of the industry is doing.

“They’re a great collection of innovations, whether that’s in human resources, technology or people, there’s usually something new to learn.”

Stubelj, along with four other speakers of note, will be presenting as part of Converge expo’s Championing Change panel, focusing on ‘building a workforce that reflects our communities’.

“When you have these opportunities and you can tell your story, quite often there’s going to be people in the audience that resonate,” Stubelj says.

“Ideally, it’s those people who can share our insights within their own organisations. Then, hopefully we’ll see more ripple effects.”

The Championing Change panel will also cover the benefits of a diverse workforce, explore the challenges faced by underrepresented groups, and showcase innovative approaches to breaking down traditional stereotypes.

The panel will also explore strategies for creating inclusive work environments.

Stubelj says expectations from prospective employees have rightfully shifted, meaning organisations also need to adapt.

“People entering the workforce these days are looking at organisations through a cultural lens, and looking for workplaces that are serious about equality,” she says.

“Are there equitable opportunities for training and development? Do people feel like they can contribute their opinions? If they speak up about something, are they going to be heard, or are they going to be discriminated against for trying to go against maybe the status quo?

“People naturally are drawn to that feeling and sense of purpose at work. You want to go to work and feel like you're valued and you're contributing to something, regardless of the financial compensation.”

Stubelj says employees are not often driven by 'I know someone that's gone into that industry' or 'the money's good over there'.

Instead, she says organisations need to reflect and ask themselves: Are people feeling like they belong in the company? It’s considerations such as this that’s led to the continued success and growth of Amarapave, which is now gathering momentum in its push towards winning additional contracts and tenders on State Government projects.

“I get a real buzz out of being able to create employment outcomes,” Stubelj says.

“It’s fantastic when we can bring someone in who’s been trying to get into an industry and has had the doors shut on them. It’s great to give those people that opportunity, then to see them flourish and grow.

“We're excited about continuing to build the next generation of asphalters.”

Converge will take place on September 17-18, 2025, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For more information on exhibiting and attending, visit convergeexpo. com.au to download the prospectus, or contact our team directly on +61 3 9690 8766 or converge@ primecreative.com.au

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