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Insider
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Transport & Infrastructure News
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What’s inside? A quick look at what’s in today’s edition: |
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1. CEO message
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Upcoming CEO workshop in Melbourne |
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2. Policy news
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Freight focus in Brisbane today |
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3. Program
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Emerging Leaders in Adelaide, Perth |
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4. Upcoming events
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Annual lunches on sale now |
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5. People moves
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Updates for your contacts book |
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6. Industry news
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Highlights from across the sector |
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Have stories, news or industry perspectives to share?
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FROM THE CEO |
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Next week, we will convene our first CEO workshop as Transport Australia in Melbourne, bringing together CEOs from our Tier 1 member organisations to discuss the priorities shaping our transport system.
Joining us will be a number of senior government leaders including Jim Betts, Secretary of the federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts; Sally Stannard, Director-General of Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads; and Josh Murray, Secretary of Transport for NSW. |
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The workshop reflects a distinctive strength of TA: our ability to bring government and industry together, including around our own Board table. That gives us a broader understanding of the choices facing the sector, drawing on public planning and investment responsibilities alongside the realities of delivering and operating the network.
Our Valuing Australia’s Transport Network report makes clear that transport’s value lies in what it enables: productive businesses, access to employment and services, reliable supply chains and connected communities. Realising that value requires long-term planning across modes, land use and jurisdictions, with maintenance and resilience central to protecting the network we already have.
Earlier this year, our National Policy Roundtable with public sector leaders – which coincides with TA’s annual Board Strategy Day – explored shared jurisdictional challenges, including fiscal constraints, freight productivity, maintaining safety on our network and the need to elevate maintenance and resilience as investment priorities. Next week’s CEO workshop, sponsored by AECOM, brings industry perspectives into that conversation.
Our advocacy is stronger when it reflects members’ experience and makes a clear, practical case for improvement. What we hear will inform our policy work and government engagement, the conversations we host at events, and the workshops, site tours and learning experiences we develop for Fellows and Emerging Leaders.
Following a successful Leaders Lunch in Brisbane yesterday with Department of Transport and Main Roads Deputy Director-General David Helm, I look forward to another candid discussion at the CEO workshop and to sharing the themes we heard and how they will shape TA’s next steps. |
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POLICY NEWS |
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Freight, construction standards and New Zealand
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TA’s policy team is continuing stakeholder engagement to inform our upcoming freight report, gathering industry perspectives on the connections, investment and reforms needed for a more productive and resilient freight system.
Today’s Queensland freight event at Brisbane City Hall will continue that conversation. Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg will discuss Queensland’s Freight Delivery Plan, joined by Infrastructure Australia Commissioner Dr Gillian Miles AM, offering a national perspective, and senior departmental leaders, Deputy Secretary Andrew Mahon and Executive Director Sean Collingwood. The discussion will explore implementation priorities and what they mean for industry.
We are also finalising TA’s submission to the Federal Government’s consultation on potential construction standards. Members who have not yet provided their input to TA are asked to do so by COB Thursday 8 October, so it can inform our response.
Planning is underway for TA’s New Zealand Workshop in Auckland in November. Further details on the program and opportunities to participate will be shared soon. |
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If you have stories, news or industry perspectives to share please submit
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CELEBRATE WITH US |
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Annual Lunch series returns
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Celebrate the year, reconnect with colleagues, and hear from senior transport leaders.
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Secure your seat at industry's unofficial Christmas party
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Transport Australia’s Annual Lunch series is back this November and December, bringing industry together across Australia and New Zealand to celebrate the year, reconnect with colleagues and hear from senior transport leaders.
Need to know:
- Adelaide: Friday 13 November
- Sydney: Friday 20 November
- Auckland: Thursday 26 November
- Perth: Wednesday 2 December
- Brisbane: Friday 4 December
- Hobart: Wednesday 9 December
- Melbourne: Friday 11 December
Our Annual Lunches are always among the biggest dates on the Transport Australia calendar, bringing together leaders from government and across the transport sector to connect, reflect on the year and look ahead to what’s next.
Tickets are now available. Get your team together and book early to make sure you don’t miss one of the best end-of-year industry functions in town.
Get tickets |
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PROGRAMS |
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Melbourne Emerging Leaders: the decisions behind delivery
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How do you keep a project moving while keeping the transport network running?
TA’s Melbourne Emerging Leaders breakfast this week explored that challenge with Fellowship alumni Michael Workman, Director at North Projects, and Jane Ada, Technical Director, Transport VSA at AECOM.
Drawing on road and rail delivery experience, the discussion facilitated by Alex Berry, of WSP and the TA Future Leaders Committee, covered early community engagement, planning for disruption and understanding the needs of the people who will operate, maintain and use an asset.
Michael’s Hoddle Street example brought contingency planning to life, including the decisions needed to reopen a road safely when the identification of unexpected services disrupted planned works. Jane encouraged participants to listen closely to stakeholders and seek different perspectives when resolving problems.
Their career advice was equally practical: stay curious, take opportunities and get on site to see how designs translate into delivery.
Thank you to event partner CPB Contractors and Abbey White, CPB’s Director of Community, Sustainability, and Social Impact, for supporting a discussion that gave emerging leaders lessons to take back to their teams. |
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EMERGING LEADER EVENTS |
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Adelaide Emerging Leaders: Decisions that last Decades
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A project’s opening is only the beginning of its working life. Join TA’s Emerging Leaders breakfast at Eos by SkyCity on Tuesday 13 October to explore how today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s transport network.
Chloe Williams, Design Director at Aurecon, and Mark Elms, Manager, Delivery Strategy, Road Maintenance at the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, will share perspectives on design, delivery and operations.
Using South Road and Adelaide’s wider network, the discussion will explore maintenance, reliability and lasting public value. Meet peers and take practical lessons back to your team.
Proudly supported by CPB Contractors. |
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Perth Emerging Leaders: WA's Future and the Skills to Deliver it
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WA’s freight future depends on the connections between projects, ports, road and rail networks, and the people delivering them. Join TA’s Emerging Leaders breakfast at The Adnate on Wednesday 14 October for practical perspectives from Padriac Murphy, Project Director for Westport Road and Rail, Office of Major Transport Infrastructure Delivery and Jason Flowerdew, Managing Director of Smart Construction & Development.
The discussion will explore how procurement, supply chains, safety and workforce capability influence delivery, alongside the skills emerging professionals need as projects move into operation.
With open seating and time to connect, it’s an opportunity to meet peers across the industry.
Proudly supported by CPB Contractors. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Western Sydney: connecting the next phase of growth
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Join Minister Jenny Aitchison and Transport for NSW Secretary and TA Board Director Josh Murray at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, on Tuesday 27 October to explore how transport can support Western Sydney’s next phase of growth.
The discussion will connect infrastructure planning with housing, jobs, airport access and freight productivity, examining how roads, public transport and economic precincts can operate as one network.
With Western Sydney International Airport, Bradfield and the Aerotropolis reshaping the region, this is an opportunity to hear directly from government about the priorities ahead and what they mean for industry.
Event partner: Stantec |
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Auckland Leaders Lunch: In conversation with Dr Kevin Doherty
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Join Dr Kevin Doherty, Group General Manager Infrastructure Development and Delivery at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, for TA’s Auckland Leaders Lunch on Friday 23 October, at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.
Kevin brings more than 30 years’ experience across New Zealand and Australia, including leadership roles at Auckland Transport, the Office of Projects Victoria and Beca.
His experience in procurement, major project delivery and contractor relationships offers a valuable perspective for members working across both markets. The lunch provides an opportunity for open discussion and industry connection.
Attendance is complimentary for TA members, with places subject to confirmation.
Event partner: Gamuda |
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Melbourne Leaders Lunch: a pre-election conversation
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As Victoria approaches its state election, TA members are invited to a Leaders Lunch with Danny O’Brien MP, Leader of The Nationals, Deputy Leader of the Coalition and Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety.
Held at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins on Thursday 22 October, the lunch offers an opportunity for open discussion about the issues facing Victoria’s transport sector.
With portfolios also spanning regional development and emergency services, Mr O’Brien brings a perspective connecting transport investment, community needs and regional opportunity.
Attendance is complimentary for TA members. Register your interest; places are subject to confirmation.
Event partner: Ventia |
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Auckland Speed Networking: Make your next connection
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For early-career professionals, a conversation with an experienced industry leader can offer a fresh perspective on your career, your next challenge or the opportunities ahead.
TA’s Emerging Leaders Speed Networking breakfast returns to Auckland on Friday 23 October, from 7.15am to 9.15am, co-hosted with Ventia at its Karangahape Road office.
Connect directly with volunteer mentors from TA’s Fellowship Alumni Network, ask questions and exchange ideas with other emerging professionals. Bring a career question, an industry challenge or simply your curiosity.
Best of all this speed 8networking event is FREE.
The breakfast forms part of TA’s Emerging Leaders Program, proudly sponsored by CPB Contractors. |
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If you have stories, news or industry perspectives to share please submit
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PEOPLE MOVES |
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Raquel Rubalcaba
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Transport for NSW has announced the permanent appointment of Raquel Rubalcaba as Deputy Secretary, Infrastructure Projects and Engineering at Transport for NSW, following her time acting in the role. |
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Kat Stapleton
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Queensland Rail’s Chief Executive Officer Kat Stapleton has announced she will finish in the role in April 2027. |
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INDUSTRY NEWS |
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Melbourne Airport Rail progresses with next stage confirmed
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The Commonwealth and Victorian governments have confirmed the next stage of Melbourne Airport Rail, advancing a new connection for Melbourne’s western suburbs while planning continues for the final link to the airport.
Stage 2 will deliver a 7.4-kilometre rail line from Albion to a new Keilor East station, connecting passengers to the city through the Metro Tunnel. The alignment will run alongside the Jacana freight corridor and include elevated rail and a crossing of the Maribyrnong River.
Site investigations, procurement and development work will begin in the coming weeks. Major construction is scheduled to start in 2028, with services to Keilor East expected in 2031.
The project forms part of the governments’ $12 billion joint commitment and will be delivered alongside the Sunshine Superhub upgrade, the first stage of Airport Rail.
Planning continues for Stage 3, including an above-ground airport station. A completion date for the full airport connection has not been confirmed. |
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Regional road program targets freight productivity and safety
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The Commonwealth and NSW governments have outlined a $1.74 billion investment across three regional road corridors, supporting safer journeys, stronger freight connections and regional economic growth.
The Regional Corridors Upgrade Program includes $520.8 million for the Newcastle–Dubbo corridor, covering the Golden Highway, John Renshaw Drive and Hunter Expressway; $849.8 million for the Muswellbrook–Armidale corridor, including the New England Highway; and $375 million for the Euston–Tocumwal corridor, covering sections of the Sturt and Newell highways and Kidman Way.
Upgrades will include wider roads and shoulders, improved intersections, additional overtaking lanes, traffic monitoring technology and digital signage. New and improved rest stops, pull-over bays and heavy vehicle facilities will support freight operators travelling across regional NSW. The Commonwealth will contribute $697 million, alongside $1.049 billion from NSW.
Delivery will be supported by the NSW Government’s Project Swift initiative, which aims to accelerate projects by reducing duplication, removing unnecessary processes and allowing work to progress concurrently.
The program was included in the June Budget. This announcement details the combined investment and delivery approach, with improved connections to ports, industries and regional communities among its objectives. |
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