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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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New industry appointments strengthen TA Board |
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2. Policy news
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Have your say on construction standards |
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3. Program
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Record applications for 2027 Fellowship |
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4. Event highlights
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Industry connects at Port of Melbourne event |
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5. Upcoming events
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Josh Murray joins Western Sydney lunch |
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6. People moves
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Camilla Drover named CEO of Sydney Metro |
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7. 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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It has been a busy fortnight for Transport Australia, with new Board appointments, successful industry events and record interest in our Fellowship program.
We welcome Roberto Gallardo, President and Executive Director of CIMIC Group, Peter Regan, CEO of ACCIONA’s Australia and New Zealand Infrastructure business and Nicole Stoddart, Group Executive, Delivery and Risk at Transurban to our Board. They bring significant expertise and industry experience to our boardroom. |
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Thank you to former directors Bede Noonan, former CEO of ACCIONA’s Australia and New Zealand Infrastructure business; Nicole Green, former Group Executive, Australian Markets at Transurban; and Pedro Vicente, former CEO of CIMIC Group, for their significant contribution to TA.
Our Port of Melbourne Industry Lunch brought together leaders across freight, ports, roads, rail and government. The port tour and discussion with CEO Saul Cannon highlighted how landside connectivity, rail capacity and network resilience underpin national prosperity.
Roads and infrastructure expertise remain central to TA’s mission. Freight and public transport performance depend heavily on the assets our foundational members plan, build and maintain.
At our Brisbane Emerging Leaders Breakfast, Alex Borg of Arup and Ryan Jones of CPB Contractors shared leadership perspectives on Queensland’s transport projects and preparations for the 2032 Games. FLC member Kelli Hansen of SMEC moderated alongside her former Fellowship mentor Alex, demonstrating the continuing value of these relationships.
We received more than 80 applications from Australia and New Zealand for the 2027 Fellowship program. This is a new record for TA’s flagship Fellowship program and underlines our industry’s commitment in investing in the next generation of leaders
Our upcoming Melbourne Leaders’ Lunch with Deputy Leader of the Victorian Coalition and Shadow Roads Minister Danny O’Brien MP will offer industry leaders a candid discussion of Victoria’s transport priorities ahead of the state election. Held under the Chatham House Rule, these invitation-only lunches are a key membership experience |
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If you have stories, news or industry perspectives to share please submit
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POLICY NEWS |
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Have your say: proposed Commonwealth construction standards
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Transport Australia is preparing a submission to the Federal Government’s consultation on potential Commonwealth standards for the construction industry, and we’re seeking members’ input.
The consultation is exploring how government funding arrangements could support better quality, productivity, lawful conduct and safe, secure, well-paid jobs. Feedback will inform whether and how a potential standards model is developed.
For transport infrastructure, this raises practical questions about procurement, project delivery, workforce capability and how responsibilities are shared across the supply chain.
We welcome your views on:
- Gaps in existing arrangements for integrity, lawful conduct and reporting.
- Changes that could improve productivity, payment practices and dispute resolution.
- Measures to strengthen workforce development, retention, safety and wellbeing.
- How standards could be enforced fairly, without duplicating existing requirements or adding unnecessary administrative burden.
Please provide feedback to TA’s policy team by close of business Friday 2 October. You do not need to answer all 27 consultation questions. Brief responses to those most relevant to your organisation, supported by practical examples, will ensure TA’s submission reflects member experience. |
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PROGRAMS |
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Fellowship: celebrating this year’s work and welcoming what comes next
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Thank you to everyone who applied for the 2027 Transport Australia Fellowship, and to the organisations supporting their emerging leaders. The strong interest is encouraging. We’re now carefully reviewing applications and will contact organisations about outcomes and next steps once that process is complete.
Meanwhile, our 2026 Fellows are putting the final touches on their public policy projects, bringing a year of learning, collaboration and fresh thinking to the challenges facing Australia’s transport system. We look forward to hearing their presentations in November and exploring their recommendations for TA.
We’re delighted to announce that Director-General at Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, and TA Board Director, Sally Stannard will deliver the keynote address at our Fellowship end-of-year dinner at the Marriott in Brisbane. Sally follows last year’s keynote speaker, Infrastructure Australia Chief Commissioner Tim Reardon, who reflected on the power of purpose.
The November gathering will celebrate the achievements of our 2026 Fellows and the contribution of their mentors and supporting organisations. We’re also looking forward to meeting our incoming 2027 cohort as they begin their Fellowship experience. |
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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS |
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Port of Melbourne: connecting investment with freight productivity
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How can investment in port capacity translate into a more productive transport network? That question brought together leaders across ports, freight, roads, rail and government at TA’s recent Port of Melbourne industry event.
A port tour and industry lunch gave members a closer look at the gateway’s role in supporting businesses and communities across Victoria, Tasmania and beyond. Discussion explored future container capacity, landside connectivity and the contribution of rail to a more efficient and resilient freight system.
The challenge extends well beyond the waterfront. Additional port capacity needs reliable road and rail connections, effective intermodal facilities and coordinated planning to deliver its full value.
Building on our Port of Brisbane and Westport discussions, these insights will inform TA’s forthcoming Value of Freight work, connecting industry experience with the decisions needed to strengthen productivity, household affordability and national resilience.
Thank you to AECOM – our inaugural Productivity Policy Partner – for partnering with TA for the Industry Lunch and to Arcadis for partnering with us for the port tour. |
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Brisbane Emerging Leaders connect on careers, leadership and major projects
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Transport Australia’s Emerging Leaders Breakfast series continued in Brisbane last week, bringing together early-career professionals and industry leaders for a candid conversation about careers, leadership and major project delivery.
Alex Borg, Arup’s APAC Roads & Streets Leader, and Ryan Jones from CPB Contractors shared practical lessons from their careers, including navigating complex projects, building strong teams and developing as a leader in a changing transport sector.
Moderated by Kelli Hansen, of SMEC, the discussion also reinforced the value of mentoring and strong professional networks. Alex previously mentored Kelli through the Transport Australia Fellowship, providing a great example of how connections made through TA’s leadership programs can continue over time.
The Emerging Leaders series is designed around what early-career professionals tell us they value most: practical insights, access to experienced leaders and meaningful industry connections.
Thanks to program sponsor CPB Contractors. |
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If you have stories, news or industry perspectives to share please submit
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Annual Lunches are back
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Celebrate the year, reconnect with colleagues, and hear from senior transport leaders.
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Don't miss out on 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.
Save the dates:
- 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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INDUSTRY LUNCHES |
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New speaker: Josh Murray joins Western Sydney lunch
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We’re pleased to announce Josh Murray, Secretary of Transport for NSW and TA Board Director, will join Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison at our Western Sydney Industry Lunch on Tuesday 27 October.
Taking place at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, just after the airport’s scheduled passenger opening, the lunch will explore the next phase of Western Sydney’s growth. The focus: how transport investment can deliver more reliable journeys, stronger freight connections and better access to housing and employment.
Josh will bring a delivery perspective to the discussion, exploring how government and industry can help the region’s transport network work as one connected system.
Proudly partnered by Stantec. |
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Freight productivity: national priorities, Queensland delivery
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Queensland’s Freight Delivery Plan has been released. What should industry expect next, and how does it connect with Australia’s wider freight and infrastructure priorities?
Join us at Brisbane City Hall on Thursday 8 October to hear Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg speak to industry for the first time about the new plan, its priorities and the outcomes industry should begin to see.
Dr Gillian Miles AM, Commissioner, Infrastructure Australia, will offer a national perspective on freight productivity, investment priorities and the importance of connected, resilient networks across state borders.
They will be joined by:
- Andrew Mahon, Deputy Director-General, Policy, Planning and Investment, Department of Transport and Main Roads.
- Sean Collingwood, Executive Director, Governance, Freight and Partnerships, Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Bringing together national and state perspectives, the discussion will explore how investment, reform and collaboration can improve freight performance, and what Queensland’s implementation agenda means for delivery partners, asset owners and operators.
Jointly partnered by Laing O’Rourke and AECOM. |
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Emerging Leaders: practical lessons, valuable connections
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Our popular Emerging Leaders Breakfast series continues in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth this October.
Co-designed with early career professionals, these sessions focus on what emerging leaders tell us they value: practical lessons, access to experienced leaders and opportunities to build their networks.
In Melbourne on Tuesday 6 October, Michael Workman, Director, North Projects, and Jane Ada, Technical Director, Transport, AECOM, will explore the realities of delivering complex projects. Hear lessons on managing interfaces, disruption, community expectations and decisions under pressure.
The series then heads to:
- Adelaide, Tuesday 13 October: From South Road to the System, exploring how decisions across a project’s life shape transport outcomes.
- Perth, Wednesday 14 October: From Project to Port, examining WA’s freight future and the skills needed to deliver it.
Proudly sponsored by CPB Contractors. Book for yourself or encourage an emerging leader in your team to attend. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from experience and make new connections. |
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PEOPLE MOVES |
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Camilla Drover
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Camilla Drover is appointed Chief Executive, Sydney Metro, starting 1 October. Camilla, also a former TA Director, was recently interim CEO of NSW Motorways, with a substantive role as TfNSW Deputy Secretary Infrastructure, Projects and Engineering. |
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John Haese
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John Haese has commenced as Acting Chief Executive of Infrastructure SA, following his leadership of the agency’s Advisory team and key work including the 2025 Strategy and Capital Intentions Statement. |
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Lindsey Brown
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Lindsey Brown is appointed Growth Director, Asia Pacific, New Zealand and Australia at Mott MacDonald. She joins the regional leadership team from GHD, where she was Australian Water Market Leader. |
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Tessa Auelua
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Tessa Auelua is appointed Chief Executive Officer of Kinetic New Zealand, starting 1 November. She joins from Port of Auckland, where she is General Manager Containers and Engineering. |
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INDUSTRY NEWS |
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Transport Infrastructure Outlook 2027: growth brings delivery challenges
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Ansarada and Infralogic’s Transport Infrastructure Outlook 2027 highlights growing global activity alongside increasing pressure on workforce capability and community engagement.
Transport infrastructure deal value reached US$317 billion in 2025, up 29% on the previous year. Yet skills gaps were identified as a leading concern by 31% of respondents, compared with 17% in the earlier research. Almost half identified community engagement as needing improvement, up from 23%.
Procurement findings were more encouraging: 85% rated their processes as efficient, compared with 65% previously. Adoption of dedicated procurement software also increased, although one in five respondents still described their processes as largely manual. |
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TfNSW Gateway to Innovate: Tranche 2 submissions now open
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Transport for NSW has opened submissions for Tranche 2 of its Gateway to Innovate program, giving industry an opportunity to propose new ways to improve infrastructure delivery.
Flagged at InMotion earlier this year, the program provides a pathway for innovative tools, processes and approaches to be considered for trials on Transport projects. Its focus is on improving productivity, capability and efficiency across the infrastructure sector.
For Transport Australia members, this is an opportunity to bring forward practical ideas informed by delivery experience and explore their potential application on Transport projects. Members with relevant proposals are encouraged to review the program information and submission requirements. |
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