Conference Agenda

09:00 - 09:30

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.

09:30 - 10:00

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

10:00 - 10:20

Ministerial Address

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

10:20 - 10:40

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

10:40 - 11:00

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, Department of State Growth, Tasmanian Government
Suk Maan Kong, Project Manager, Tasman Bridge Pathways Upgrade, Department of State Growth

11:30 - 11:45

Ministerial Address

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

11:45 - 12:05

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

12:05 - 12:25

Presentation by Gold Sponsor ARKANCE

12:25 - 13:00

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

14:00 - 14:20

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).

14:20 - 14:55

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.

James Avery, Chief Executive Officer, Stadiums Tasmania

14:55 - 15:15

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, Department of State Growth

15:45 - 16:05

Delivering Major Projects in Tasmania

• Industry Issues
• Industry Opportunities
• Local capability pathways

Jade Kaye, State Manager - Tasmania, Capital Insight

16:05 - 16:25

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

16:25 - 16:50

Delivering Low-Carbon Infrastructure in Tasmania’s Renewable Energy Boom

• Incorporating environmental sustainability and emissions reduction into project planning, design, and execution of major grid infrastructure.
• Strengthening the network to enable Tasmania’s role as renewable energy exporter while balancing environmental, community and project delivery considerations.

09:00 - 09:30

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.

09:30 - 10:00

Infrastructure Plans and Priorities for Hobart

• Addressing Key Strategic and Infrastructure Challenges for Hobart

Michael Stretton, Chief Executive Officer, City of Hobart

10:00 - 10:40

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.

10:40 - 11:00

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

11:30 - 12:00

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

12:00 - 12:30

Tasmanian Energy Market Overview and Update

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

12:30 - 13:00

Jacob Gerke, General Manager - Major Projects, Tasmanian Irrigation

14:00 - 14:20

Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment

• The Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) is undergoing a $130 million expansion of its Emergency Department (ED) as part of a Stage 2 redevelopment, with major construction starting in early 2026 and continuing until 2028.
• This project will deliver 120 treatment points, new imaging bays, a paediatric zone, and dedicated mental health areas for patients experiencing mental health distress.

14:20 - 14:40

Launceston General Hospital Redevelopment

• The Launceston General Hospital (LGH) Precinct Masterplan is a 10-year, $647.5 million redevelopment project jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.
• Key components include a $90 million Northern Mental Health Precinct, with early works such as the Northern Integrated Care Service (NICS) building redevelopment already completed.

14:40 - 15:00

Social Infrastructure to Support Growth

• How Homes Tasmania is delivering new social and affordable housing to support population growth and improve housing across the state.
• Integrating housing with essential community infrastructure, services and transport to create connected, liveable neighbourhoods.