Conference Agenda

09:00 - 09:20

Ministerial Address

Hon. Kerry Vincent, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Local Government

09:20 - 09:50

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.

09:50 - 10:20

Unlocking Tasmania’s Energy Future: The Marinus Link Project 

• The Marinus Link a proposed 1500 MW electricity interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria is a nationally significant infrastructure project that will play a pivotal role in Australia’s clean energy transition. 
• As part of the broader Marinus Project, this critical development will enable greater sharing of renewable energy, unlock investment in new wind and hydro resources in Tasmania, and enhance energy security and reliability for the National Electricity Market. 
• This session will explore the economic, environmental and regional development benefits of this multi-billion-dollar initiative and understand how Tasmania is positioning itself as a renewable energy powerhouse.

Prajit Parameswar, Chief Commercial Officer, Marinus Link

10:20 - 10:40

Overview of ACEN Australia’s Tasmanian Wind Energy Projects 

• ACEN Australia’s Robbins Island and Jim’s Plain Wind, and North East Wind projects represent over $7 billion in investment in Tasmania’s clean energy future. Together, these large-scale wind farms will support existing energy users, attract new green industries to the state, and make a significant contribution to Australia’s renewable energy transition.
• The projects are strategically located in Tasmania’s far north to harness the state’s world-class wind resource.
• ACEN Australia Managing Director David Pollington will provide an overview of both Tasmanian projects within the context of ACEN’s national portfolio, which includes renewable energy projects currently operating, under construction and in development across the country.

David Pollington, Managing Director, ACEN Australia

10:40 - 11:00

Selfs Point Sewer Transformation Project

• TasWater is investing AUD 1.9 billion across its asset portfolio over the coming five years to ensure it can continue to deliver outstanding water and sewerage services.
• TasWater is preparing to commence the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation Project, marking the largest sewerage infrastructure investment in the history of Hobart, the capital of the state of Tasmania.
• The AUD 314 million (about USD 215 million) initiative aims to overhaul the city's sewage management system, improving environmental health and supporting future urban development.
• Project update

Tony Wilmott, General Manager - Project Delivery, TasWater

11:30 - 11:50

Construction in Focus: Overcoming Delivery and Risk Challenges

• Insights from working across government, asset owners, tier one contractors, subcontractors, architects, and engineers.
• In this session, Mike will explore the key challenges the construction industry faces today—from navigating complex technology stacks to managing risk, compressed delivery schedules, and cost overruns.

Mike Kain, Lead Technical Consultant, ARKANCE

11:50 - 12:20

PANEL DISCUSSION: Community Involvement in Construction

• Projects that actively involve the community often face fewer delays and opposition. They benefit from the practical insights of residents, leading to infrastructure that is better suited to the local context.
• Hear from a panel of experts about the good, the bad and the ugly.
• A discussion of the best practice and the risks of getting it wrong.

Andrew Winch, Chief Executive Officer, Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania
Catherine Searle, Director, Amazonian
Cr Anna Reynolds, Lord Mayor, City of Hobart
Craig Limkin, Secretary, Department of State Growth
Donna Brown, Program Manager ESG and Approvals, Major Projects, Hydro Tasmania

12:20 - 12:40

Macquarie Point Precinct - Macquarie Point Stadium Project Update

• Insights, lessons learnt, current progress, challenges and broader vision

Sam Wilson-Haffenden, Stadium Project Director, Macquarie Point Development Corporation

12:40 - 13:00

Tasmania Report Vision 2028

• Discover valuable insights into Tasmania’s challenges and opportunities. 
• Look at Tasmania’s economy and roadmap of Tasmania becoming the best place in Australia to do business.

Michael Bailey OAM, Chief Executive Officer, Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

14:00 - 14:20

Hobart Airport Upgrade 

• The project will enable the airport to accommodate larger freight and wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.
• The upgrade will allow for direct flights between Hobart and Asia, opening up new markets for Tasmanian businesses and producers.
• Project update

Norris Carter, Chief Executive Officer, Hobart Airport

14:20 - 14:40

Women in Construction - Attracting the Next Generation of Women to Construction

• This session will delve deep into Women in Construction. 
• Key Challenges and Solutions 
• Attracting more women to Construction

Catherine Rae, President Tas Chapter, NAWIC

14:40 - 15:00

The role and impact of the Industry Capability Network in Tasmania

• The session will cover the role and functions of ICN Tasmania, how the team supports major projects being delivered across the state, and how the team supports Tasmanian businesses to secure supply opportunities into projects of every scale across Australia and overseas.

Bruno Ferreira, State Manager,, Industry Capability Network, Tasmania

15:30 - 15:50

Investing in Bell Bay

• Outlook for Bell Bay – Economic Growth and Opportunities

Susie Bower, Chief Executive Officer, Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone (BBAMZ)

15:50 - 16:10

Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Construction Sector

• Unfortunately, two workers take their own lives every working day in the industry. With large workloads and long working hours on top of financial precarity in the cost-of-living crisis, stress at work can result in many construction workers struggling with their mental health.
• Not only this, but engineers and architects struggle with similar concerns - faced with pressure to work on 'impossible' projects, unhealthy work-life balances, and resource cuts - that result in mental health problems across careers.
• The session will focus on areas to improve and prevent mental health crises, including how managers can identify and support those in need.

Brad Parker, Executive Director, WorkSafe - Tasmania

16:10 - 16:30

Tasmania’s Northern Cities Major Development Initiative

• This session will explore how strategic investment in infrastructure, liveability, and economic opportunity is transforming Launceston as a connected hub. We will delve into a Major project and it’s anticipated impactful outcomes across regional Tasmania. 
• TRANSlink Intermodal Facility – planned to be developed in the Launceston Airport logistic precinct, will be a game-changer in terms of realisation of state and regional benefits aligned with regional strategies like Northern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy and the Tasmanian Integrated Freight Strategy, delivered through a truly collaborative project management ethos, backed by State government planning and federal government funding.
• Hear directly from the Northern Tasmania Development Corporation (NTDC) on their work delivering the project management and stakeholder coordination to drive successful infrastructure delivery. Learn how these efforts are aligning local needs with long-term growth priorities and contributing to Tasmania’s broader regional development agenda.

Chris Griffin, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Tasmania Development Corporation

16:30 - 16:50

Upgrade of the Arthur Highway Project - Delivering on Tasmania’s Corridor Strategy Approach

• The Federal Labor Government has announced nearly $213 million to upgrade critical highways and build active transport routes across the southeast of the state which includes $204 million to improve the Arthur Highway and widen the Sorell Rivulet Bridge.

Trevor Gibson, Acting Director, Network Management, Department of State Growth

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

FIRESIDE CHAT: Meet the Experts in Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy

• The latest plans for Tasmania’s energy and future industries
• Tasmania's latest energy plans focus heavily on increasing renewable energy production, aiming to double the state's renewable energy output by 2040 through the "Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target" (TRET), which includes developing Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and establishing a Renewable Energy Services Hub at Bell Bay to support the growing sector with manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance services; this strategy also includes exploring the potential for green hydrogen production for both domestic and international markets
  

Catherine Searle, Director, Amazonian
Geoffrey Drucker, Managing Director, Countrywide Hydrogen
Kim Enkelaar, Director, Future Industries and Communication, Department of State Growth
Rachel Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Hydro Tasmania

10:00 - 10:20

Major Hydropower Project Developments – Tarraleah and Cethana

• Project update

Erin Van Maanen, Executive General Manager - Strategy, Hydro Tasmania

10:20 - 10:40

Tranche Three Program update – Tasmanian Irrigation

• Tranche Three of the Tasmanian Irrigation program involves the development of irrigation schemes around the state.
• Project update

Jacob Gerke, General Manager Program Development and Delivery, Tasmanian Irrigation

10:40 - 11:00

Building Tasmania’s Health Infrastructure Projects and Programs

• The Tasmanian government has invested about $650 million for major health projects which include:
• Stage 2 of the Launceston General Hospital Redevelopment and the St Johns Park Health and Wellbeing precinct
• Construction of the New Devonport Mental Health Hub The new purpose-built mental health precinct at the Launceston General Hospital

Dale Webster, Secretary, Department of Health

11:30 - 11:50

Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program (TFRRP) 

• TasRail is currently delivering the fourth tranche of the TFRRP.
• Like previous tranches it continues to support local construction, and economic growth.
• Update on the program.

Josh Marshall, General Manager - Projects, TasRail

11:50 - 12:10

Overview of the Tasmanian Economy and the impact of Climate Change

• Tasmania's economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, tourism, and forestry. However, climate change presents significant risks, impacting agriculture, coastal areas, and potentially the entire economy.
• The state is actively working on adaptation and mitigation strategies

Cedric Hodges, Lead Economics, Deloitte Tasmania

12:10 - 12:30

Tasmania’s 10 Year Visitor Economy Infrastructure Plan

• Presentation by TICT exploring how the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy includes a dedicated 10‑year infrastructure program—aligned with industry needs to support sustainable growth in Tasmania

Amy Hills, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania

12:30 - 13:15

PANEL DISCUSSION: Better, Faster, Stronger: Unlocking the Potential of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

• Experts discuss how MMC enhances building projects through offsite manufacturing, standardized components, and advanced technology, resulting in quicker construction, superior quality control, and less waste. This makes buildings "better, faster, and stronger" compared to traditional methods.

Chris Hawkins, Tasmania State Director, WT Partnership
Max Möller, President, Engineers Australia - Tasmania
Ross Mannering, General Manager - Transport (Tasmania), Senior Principal Roads and Traffic Engineer, Pitt & Sherry
Tim Johns, State Director, Lockton Tasmania Corporate

13:15 - 13:35

Ministerial Address

Hon. Felix Ellis MP, Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Minister for Skills and Jobs

14:35 - 14:55

How Better Workforce Planning Can Be Your Secret Weapon Against Skills Shortages

• Skills shortages in project-related roles are a growing concern across Australia, particularly in sectors like construction and infrastructure. These shortages are delaying project timelines, increasing costs, and putting overall project success at risk. Addressing them requires a strategic, multi-layered approach. One of the most effective tools available is a well-designed workforce plan. When executed thoughtfully, workforce planning can significantly reduce project risk, help attract the right talent, and improve retention by setting employees up for long-term success.

The Session will Explore:

• How workforce planning can give your organisation a competitive edge
• The different types of workforce planning
• Steps to successfully implement a workforce plan

Nik Ruparel, Director, ProNEXUS Careers

14:55 - 15:15

Strategic plans for the Port of Bell Bay

• The Port of Bell Bay is a major deep-water industrial Tasmanian port located in the north of the state.
• Look at future projects in and around the Port.

Jarred Moore, General Manager Planning and Development, TasPorts