|
|
Insider
|
|
Transport & Infrastructure News
|
|
|
|
|
|
What’s inside? A quick look at what’s in today’s edition: |
|
1. CEO Update
|
|
Building a pipeline of future leaders |
|
2. Program
|
|
Ready to take your career to the next level? |
|
3. Upcoming Events
|
|
Speakers confirmed for Annual lunches – save the date |
|
4. People Moves
|
|
Updates for your industry contacts list |
|
5. Perspectives
|
|
The art of mobility planning for major events |
|
6. Industry News
|
|
What’s making news in the transport sector |
|
|
|
CEO UPDATE |
|
|
|
When Dr Gillian Miles AM received the John Shaw Medal, she spoke about wanting women to be able to see an entire career in transport.
If we want a stronger, more diverse and more capable transport sector, we need to make the pathway visible earlier.
Transport Australia’s Emerging Leaders program builds on the success of Roads Australia’s leadership programs and, like Transport Australia itself, has evolved with the sector. As our remit has broadened across road, rail, ports, freight, infrastructure, policy and emerging mobility, so too has our approach to developing future leaders. |
|
|
We are now taking a more targeted approach to supporting emerging leaders with five to 10 years’ experience. These are people already contributing to the sector, building technical and commercial capability, and starting to think seriously about the leadership role they want to play.
Emerging Leaders is the on-ramp to Transport Australia’s broader leadership ecosystem, connecting into our Fellowship, alumni communities, policy work, events and national network.
To better understand this cohort, we surveyed emerging leaders on what they want from their careers and from the transport system they will help shape.
They told us they want visible career development, leadership opportunities and meaningful work. Across survey responses, they also called for integrated planning, better public and active transport connections, stronger maintenance and resilience, shared data, improved safety insights and more sustainable workforce conditions.
They highlighted the need for stronger school-to-work, TAFE and university pathways, better recognition of transferable skills, investment in digital and AI literacy, and a stronger voice for women and underrepresented groups.
Part of our response is co-designing our national Emerging Leaders Breakfast Series around what this cohort told us they value: practical insight, real connections and access to leaders delivering the pipeline in their city.
These events help emerging leaders step out of the day-to-day, learn from those who have walked the path before them, and see a long-term future in transport. |
|
|
|
Be part of the conversation. Send your news and updates to Insider.
|
|
|
|
|
PROGRAM |
|
Record 60 places for 2027 Fellowship
|
Transport Australia’s Fellowship Program is set for its biggest year yet, with a record 60 places available for 2027, taking applications from across Australia and New Zealand.
Building on a cohort of 55 Fellows in 2026, the expanded program will connect an even broader group of emerging leaders from government, consulting, contracting, operations, technology and across the transport supply chain.
Over 12 months, each Fellow is paired with a senior industry mentor, gains access to Transport Australia’s national events and works with peers on a public policy project addressing a real sector challenge. It is a chance to learn from leaders who have walked the path, broaden knowledge beyond one organisation or discipline, and build relationships across the sector.
Encouraging more New Zealand candidates will add valuable trans-Tasman perspectives to shared challenges including productivity, workforce capability, safety and the delivery of more resilient and sustainable transport networks.
The Fellowship is advocacy in action, equipping emerging leaders to contribute ideas, challenge established thinking and help shape the future of transport.
Applications are now open. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Meet a mentor: Peter Hopfmueller, General Manager – Engineering at Georgiou
|
Peter Hopfmueller brings deep experience delivering complex infrastructure across Western Australia, roads and bridges, rail, onshore gas pipelines, marine facilities and resource infrastructure.
He balances construction delivery with community, and understands building infrastructure is about managing expectations, environmental impact and traffic. Peter is known for his ability to execute complex tasks and motivate teams to achieve challenging goals.
Why did you choose to become a mentor through the Fellowship Program?
I have always enjoyed helping young engineers find their feet. Over the past decade, I have mentored through Georgiou, CCF Women in Engineering and now the TA Fellowship Program. This is my fourth year. I keep coming back because I have seen the difference it makes. Mentoring builds your confidence, clarifies direction and helps people grow. It is rewarding to share what I have learned and help the next generation find their way.
What do you get out of mentoring?
I get a lot out of mentoring. Watching someone grow and reach their goals is genuinely satisfying. It also makes me a better leader. It sharpens my communication and problem‑solving skills, and pushes me to think differently. I learn from my mentees too. They bring fresh ideas and new perspectives. It is never one‑sided. Mentoring strengthens the whole industry. When we invest in future leaders, we build a more capable and diverse workforce.
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is to give yourself time to think. In engineering and construction, there can be pressure to make quick decisions, but taking the time to properly understand the challenge, consider all options, consult others for those big decisions, and think through the broader impacts often leads to better outcomes for both the project and the people involved.
What is the biggest change you have seen in the transport sector over your career?
Collaboration is now non-negotiable. Projects demand genuine partnership across government, industry and the community. That is just how it works now. I have also noticed a real change in the makeup of our workforce. More diversity, more perspectives. And that leads to smarter decisions and better outcomes on the ground. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Practical lessons from the people delivering the pipeline
|
Transport Australia’s new national Emerging Leaders Breakfast Series is co-designed with early career professionals. The early-morning sessions will move beyond generic leadership advice to examine the real decisions, interfaces and delivery challenges shaping each city’s transport network.
The series opens in Sydney on 3 September with Simon Berry of WCSE and Matthew Ferriera of Transport for NSW discussing how design decisions translate into constructability and network performance.
In Brisbane on 15 September, Alex Borg of Arup and Ryan Jones of CPB Contractors will share practical lessons from Queensland’s delivery frontline.
Melbourne follows on 6 October, with Michael Workman of North Projects and Jane Ada of Aecom exploring interfaces, disruption and delivery during the city’s major-project era.
Events will also be held in Adelaide on 13 October, focused on whole-of-life lessons from South Road and the wider network, and Perth on 14 October, examining WA’s freight future and the skills needed to deliver it. Speakers for both events will be announced shortly.
All events will be facilitated by industry experts on our Future Leaders Committee.
Thanks to our Emerging Leaders partner CPB Contractors. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS |
|
|
One week to go: QLD Industry Lunch with Neil Stephens and Sally Stannard | Brisbane | 21 August
|
Join the conversation on Queensland’s freight future, with Neil Stephens, CEO of the Port of Brisbane.
Neil will be joined by Sally Stannard, Director-General of the Department of Transport and Main Roads, for a conversation about the projects, connections and investment decisions shaping the port’s next era.
For industry, this is an opportunity to:
• hear directly from two of Queensland’s senior transport leaders
• understand the long-term priorities likely to shape freight and infrastructure planning
• explore what Vision 2060 means for operators, contractors, consultants and supply-chain partners
• connect with government and industry leaders working across Queensland’s transport system
The event is at the Pullman Brisbane King George Square from 12pm to 2.30pm.
Event partner: Arcadis |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SA Industry Lunch with Jon Whelan | Adelaide | 10 September
|
Reconnect with industry colleagues at Transport Australia’s industry lunch with Jon Whelan, Chief Executive of South Australia’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport, on 10 September.
Jon will provide a senior agency perspective on South Australia’s transport and infrastructure priorities, delivery pipeline and policy agenda for the year ahead.
The discussion comes as South Australia delivers a $25 billion transport pipeline, including the $15.4 billion T2D project, the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass and safer regional networks.
As Chair of the Austroads Board, Jon also brings a national perspective on the shared challenges facing transport agencies across Australia and New Zealand, including productivity, road safety, asset resilience, workforce capacity and the delivery of complex projects.
The event runs from 12pm to 2.30pm at SkyCity Adelaide.
Event partner: KBR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
VIC Industry Lunch with Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon | Melbourne | 17 September
|
Continuing Transport Australia’s national freight series, Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon will join us in Melbourne on 17 September to discuss the infrastructure, investment and priorities shaping Australia’s largest container port.
Nearly one-third of Australia’s container trade moves through the Port of Melbourne. The Port is investing $200 million to reduce congestion and move more freight by rail.
Saul will be joined by Isaac Wingfield, Vice President and Global Ports Lead at AECOM. Isaac will bring an international perspective, drawing on his experience leading AECOM’s work on Georgia Ports Authority’s 10-year, US$4.5 billion master plan.
As Australia rethinks how roads, rail, ports and logistics operate as one system, this discussion will examine the Port’s role in the wider transport network, and what it needs from that network to keep freight and the economy moving.
The event runs from 12pm to 2.30pm at Metropolis Events, Southbank.
Event partner: AECOM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Speaker announcement: 2026 Annual Lunches
|
Three senior government speakers are confirmed for Transport Australia’s 2026 Annual Lunches:
The Hon John Graham MLC, NSW Minister for Transport, in Sydney
The Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, Deputy Premier and Treasurer of Western Australia, in Perth
The Hon Brent Mickelberg MP, Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, in Brisbane
The Annual Lunches return across Australia and New Zealand this November and December, bringing government, industry leaders and members together at the close of the year.
Known as the transport sector’s unofficial end-of-year party, the Annual Lunches are a chance to celebrate with your team, reconnect with colleagues from across the industry and hear directly from the leaders shaping what comes next. Further speakers will be announced shortly.
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
More speakers will be announced soon. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
PEOPLE MOVES |
|
|
|
|
Jo Stone has joined DT Infrastructure as Executive General Manager HSEQ, with deep experience across operational leadership, asset management and safety from VicGrid, Acciona and AGL. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rebecca Want has joined GHD as Rail Sector Leader – ANZ, with 30 years of experience across rail infrastructure and major project delivery, including Sydney Metro and Parramatta Light Rail. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Emma McCaughey, from CPB Contractors, has joined the board of Economic Development Queensland, bringing experience in infrastructure, construction and industry leadership to the role. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Megan Houweling has joined Queensland Rail as Group Senior Manager, Digital Delivery, bringing deep digital transformation experience from her role as Chief Digital Officer at Queensland Courts and Tribunals. |
|
|
|
|
INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE |
|
Mobility planning can make or break a major event
|
Major events are remembered not only for what happens inside the venue, but for how easily people arrive, move around and get home.
Stantec argues mobility planning must begin early, integrate public transport, rideshare, walking and cycling, and adapt in real time. Drawing on the Australian Open and Australian Grand Prix, the new blog post shows how information, scenario planning and interventions can improve events and create long-term changes in travel behaviour. |
|
|
|
|
INDUSTRY NEWS |
|
Auckland City Rail Link opening date confirmed
|
Auckland’s City Rail Link – New Zealand’s largest-ever transport project, will open on Sunday 13 September.
The $5.5 billion project features a 3.45 km twin-tunnel underground railway beneath the CBD, transforming Waitematā Station from a dead-end terminus into a through-station. For the first time, trains will run directly through the city centre.
Two new underground stations: Te Waihorotiu (Midtown) and Karanga‑a‑Hape (Karangahape Road), will open, along with a major rebuild of Maungawhau Station.
The new timetable delivers peak-hour trains every four to five minutes, with capacity for up to 19,000 passengers per hour, which doubles regional rail capacity and matching the throughput of 16 extra motorway lanes. Travel times will drop significantly, commuters can travel from Eden Park to the city centre in 7 minutes. |
|
|
|
|
Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 now open
|
Passenger services on Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 commenced on 9 August, extending 6.7 kilometres from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads. The $1.55 billion project adds eight stations and five trams, creating a connection from Helensvale through the coastal corridor.
Delivered by GoldLinQ and John Holland for the Queensland Government, with Australian, Queensland and City of Gold Coast funding, the opening is a milestone after four years of construction.
With bus services being reconfigured around the extension, the next test is how the expanded network shifts travel behaviour and supports a fast-growing city approaching the 2032 Games. |
|
|
|
|
Sydney’s 24-hour cargo precinct takes off
|
Commercial freight flights have taken off at Western Sydney International Airport, a milestone for Australia’s supply chains and freight networks.
A Qantas Freight aircraft carrying Australia Post parcels marked the historic first departure from the new 24-hour cargo hub, significantly boosting regional logistics, next-day delivery capabilities, and supply chain capacity ahead of upcoming passenger services.
We celebrate all Transport Australia members which have contributed across the wider airport program, including AECOM, ACCIONA, Arup, Arcadis, Aurecon, BMD, CPB Contractors, GHD, Seymour Whyte, SMEC, Stantec and WSP, spanning planning, design, construction, environmental management and assurance.
Qantas Freight, Menzies Aviation, dnata and Texel Air have signed on the 24-hour Cargo Precinct, which will serve as a major hub for air freight in the region. |
|
|
|
|
Get in front of industry. Contribute to the next edition of Insider, out 27 August.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
