Conference Agenda

SPEED NETWORKING

This speed networking session will allow delegates to introduce themselves and swap business cards with those they are seated with and other summit attendees.

Macquarie Wharf 6 Redevelopment Project

• TasPorts is undertaking its largest infrastructure project since its inception with the Redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf in the Port of Hobart.
• This project supports Antarctic exploration and scientific research, trade, export and global cruise tourism while boosting Tasmania’s economy making us a leader in sustainable port operations.
• The redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf 6 is the first stage of the broader Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment Project, which is underpinned by a $188 million investment from the Australian Government.
• This investment supports the delivery of critical infrastructure and ensures Hobart continues to serve as Australia’s Antarctic gateway.

Michel de Vos, Group Executive – Major Projects, Assets and Technical Services, TasPorts

Ministerial Address

The Honourable Jeremy Rockliff MP, Premier of Tasmania, Liberal Member for Braddon

Terminal Expansion Project

• Hobart Airport has commenced its $200 million terminal upgrade to double the terminal footprint leading to more space, more food & beverage, and more retail options for the travelling public.
• Works have begun on the terminal and it is planned that the expansion is expected to be completed in 2027.
• Latest updates.

Norris Carter, Chief Executive Officer, Hobart Airport

The New Bridgewater Bridge Project and the Tasman Bridge Upgrade Program

As Tasmania's largest ever transport infrastructure project and one of the longest road bridges over water in Australia, the New Bridgewater Bridge project is now complete. This presentation will provide an overview of the lessons learned during construction. The session will also highlight the Tasman Bridge Upgrade Program, a $130 million joint initiative by the Australian and Tasmanian governments to enhance safety and infrastructure. This project focuses on improving pedestrian access, cyclist facilities, and structural barriers.

Kevin Bourne, Director – Major Transport Projects, Building Tasmania
Suk Maan Kong, Project Manager, Tasman Bridge Pathways Upgrade, Building Tasmania

Ministerial Address

The Honourable Kerry Vincent MLC, Minister for Housing & Planning, Minister for Infrastructure & Transport, Minister for Local Government

Robbins Island Wind Farm

• The Robbins Island and Jim's Plain Wind project is a 900 MW renewable energy development in Northwest Tasmania by ACEN Australia, which will feature up to 100-122 turbines and a bridge.
• The $3 billion development is expected to generate enough power for up to 500,000 homes, deliver more than $30 million annually into the Tasmanian economy, and create up to 400 construction jobs.

David Pollington, Managing Director, ACEN Australia

Bluebeam Max – new automations in drawing reviews, takeoffs, and markups
This new release of Bluebeam can be leveraged across the entire AECO project lifecycle, with new advancements in automation of drawing reviews, takeoffs, and markups. Alex will highlight how Max reduces rework using automatic drawing review tools, enhanced versions of the drawing comparison tools, all through the emerging AI-driven capabilities within Bluebeam. The session will also touch on how connected workflows between Bluebeam and other programs such as Revit, can eliminate communication errors and improve turnaround times during the review cycle.

Alex De Campo, Technical Consultant, ARKANCE ANZ

PANEL: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Tasmania’s Construction Industry

• This panel will explore the multifaceted challenges confronting Tasmania’s construction sector amid the current global conflict and persistent fuel shortages.
• Industry leaders and experts will examine how geopolitical instability and disruptions in fuel supply impact project delivery, operational costs, workforce management, and supply chains.
• The discussion aims to illuminate the sector’s vulnerabilities, foster strategic approaches for resilience, and identify innovative solutions to ensure sustainable growth and adaptability in an uncertain environment.

Catherine Searle, Senior Leader – City Infrastructure, City of Launceston
Cedric Hodges, Lead Economics, Deloitte Tasmania
Ross Mannering, General Manager - Transport (Tasmania), Senior Principal Roads and Traffic Engineer, Pitt & Sherry

Marinus Link

• Marinus Link is a new undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector between Northwest Tasmania and the Latrobe Valley in Victoria.
• The $4 billion project will enable the flow of more electricity in both directions, delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy for customers in the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Andrew Train, Project Director, Marinus Link

Panel Discussion Building a Legacy on Common Ground: The Transformation of UTAS Stadium

• As Launceston prepares for the 2028 debut of the Tasmania Devils, the $130 million redevelopment of UTAS Stadium represents more than just a capacity upgrade.
• This panel explores the intersection of sustainable engineering, civic identity, and elite performance.
• Join the experts as they discuss how this transformation will drive long-term economic growth and cement Northern Tasmania’s place on the national sporting stage.

Alex Barber, Director, Major Infrastructure Projects, Building Tasmania
James Avery, Chief Executive Officer, Stadiums Tasmania
Sam Johnson OAM GAICD, Chief Executive Officer, City of Launceston

Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway Strategy

• The Antarctic Gateway Strategy is an initiative focused on strengthening Tasmania’s polar research capabilities and its role as a premier gateway to Antarctica.
• The project aims to enhance Hobart’s standing as an international Antarctic and Southern Ocean science and research hub, attract international Antarctic program visits and research investments to the state, and stimulate export and trade of Tasmanian polar, remote, and maritime products and services. 

Dr Tara Martin, Director – Antarctic, Science & Technology, Building Tasmania

Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program (TFRRP) 

• The Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program (TFRRP) is a multi-tranche joint initiative between the Australian and Tasmanian governments to upgrade Tasmania's rail network.
• Delivered by TasRail, it aims to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency for heavy industry.

Josh Marshall, General Manager - Projects, TasRail

Overview of Renewable Energy projects in Central Tasmania

• Cellars Hill Wind Farm: Expected to deliver 350 MW of wind energy and a co-located battery energy storage system.
• Weasel Solar Farm: Generating renewable energy through strategic integration of solar energy production and agricultural production.

Jarred Hardman, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Gamuda Australia

Renewable energy for generations

• For over a century, Hydro Tasmania has harnessed our rivers and lakes to power homes and industries with renewable energy. Like our hydropower pioneers, we’re looking to the future and what’s needed to power the State for the next century. Learn more about Hydro Tasmania’s future energy vision and investments in our energy infrastructure to be more efficient and more responsive, and better support the state’s evolving energy mix.

Erin van Maanen, Executive General Manager, Strategy & Commercial, Hydro Tasmania

SPEED NETWORKING

This speed networking session will allow delegates to introduce themselves and swap business cards with those they are seated with and other summit attendees.

Infrastructure Plans and Priorities for Hobart

• Addressing Key Strategic and Infrastructure Challenges for Hobart

Michael Stretton, Chief Executive Officer, City of Hobart

PANEL: Delivering Tasmania’s Energy Megaprojects

• Exploring how Tasmania is progressing a pipeline of large-scale renewable and transmission projects that will reshape the state’s role in the national energy market.
• How project owners, network operators, and industry partners are managing delivery risks, workforce constraints and supply chain challenges on multi- billion dollar projects.

Moderator: Sarah Fitzgerald, Principal and Technical Director, GHD
Andrew Hickman, Project Director - Tarraleah Upgrades, Hydro Tasmania
Renée Anderson, Interim Chief Executive Officer, TasNetworks
Luke Moore, Chief Operating Officer, BBAMZ

TasNetworks: Delivering Infrastructure in Tasmania’s Renewable Energy Boom 

• How Projects like the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) are strengthening the network to enable Tasmania’s role in the renewable energy transition
• Strengthening the network to enable Tasmania’s role as renewable energy exporter while balancing environmental, community and project delivery considerations

Richie Sheather, Project Director - NWTD, TasNetworks

Delivering Major Projects in Tasmania

• Industry Issues
• Industry Opportunities
• Local capability pathways

Jade Kaye, State Manager - Tasmania, Capital Insight

Selfs Point Sewer Transformation Project

• TasWater has commenced the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation Project, marking the largest sewerage infrastructure investment in the history of Hobart. The $314 million initiative aims to overhaul the city’s sewage management system, improving environmental health and supporting future urban development.
• The project aims to expand the Selfs Point STP and relocate the Macquarie Point STP to meet compliance requirements, improve environmental outcomes and accommodate future growth.

Tony Willmott, General Manager - Project Delivery, TasWater

Tasmanian Energy Market Overview and Update

Marc White, Principal Consultant and Chief Operating Officer, Goanna Energy Consulting Pty Ltd

Jacob Gerke, General Manager - Major Projects, Tasmanian Irrigation

Tasmania’s Digital Future: AI, Data Centres and the Social Licence to Grow

Technology is one of Tasmania’s most important enabling industries, driving productivity, innovation and competitiveness across the economy while creating jobs and prosperity in its own right. This presentation explores the future of Tasmania’s technology sector, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, and the critical role of digital infrastructure. It will examine how AI is transforming industries, workplaces and government, and introduce the emerging concept of AI data centres as “token factories” powering the new digital economy. Finally, it will explore social licence—why community trust matters, how it is earned, and what happens when it is lost.

Russell Kelly, CEO, TasICT

Building Health Into Safety: A Practical Approach for Major Projects 

How major projects can better integrate occupational health into workforce planning and safety systems, particularly in regional and remote Tasmania. 

1. Where occupational health fits within workplace safety 

Health is one part of the broader WHS system and should be built into project planning rather than added on later. 

2. The practical gaps major projects run into 

Access to medicals, health surveillance, audiometry, respiratory testing, vaccinations, fit testing and other services can become difficult when projects are regional, mobile or time-sensitive. 

3. What happens when healthcare is taken to the workforce 

Onsite and mobile models can reduce downtime, improve access and coordination, and minimise the need for workers to attend multiple external appointments. 

4. How to make occupational health work better in major projects 

Practical ways to integrate clinical services with safety teams, project managers and existing systems so worker health becomes part of project planning rather than another compliance task. 

Sarah Doran, Registered Nurse | Founder, Worksite Health Tasmania

Beyond the Pipeline: Why Leadership Capability Is Now a Major Project Delivery Risk

• What 50 construction leaders identified as the biggest cultural and leadership risks facing the industry
• Why technical excellence alone is no longer enough to deliver major projects successfully
• How leadership capability directly impacts safety, retention, productivity and workforce sustainability
• What project owners, contractors and industry leaders can do now to strengthen leadership across the sector

Angela Hucker, CEO, EPIC