Speakers

The Honourable Jeremy Rockliff MP

Jeremy is a proud North West Tasmanian who grew up on the family farm at Sassafras. He received a Diploma in Farm Management from New Zealand’s Lincoln University. Jeremy has a strong involvement with community organisations, including Lifeline North West and Landcare. In 2022 he became an MP for Braddon and in 2014, was appointed Deputy Premier in the Liberal Government. He became Premier of Tasmania in April 2022. Jeremy is married to Sandra, and they have three daughters- Ruby, Lucy and Holly.

The Honourable Kerry Vincent MLC

Dr Tara Martin

Dr Tara Martin is the Director of Antarctic, Science and Technology with the Tasmanian Government. In her role, Tara represents the Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway and looks for ways to grow the Antarctic, space, science and technology sectors. Before joining the Tasmanian government Tara worked for CSIRO, with expertise in Antarctic and marine research and flagship research infrastructure management.

Norris Carter

Norris Carter is the Chief Executive Officer of Hobart Airport. He has over 25 years’ experience in aviation. He was previously CEO of Cairns and Mackay Airports, and before that led route development at Auckland Airport. He spent 14 years at Qantas in roles including network planning, revenue management and loyalty.

James Avery

James Avery is the Chief Executive Officer of Stadiums Tasmania, where he leads the strategic management and operation of Tasmania’s major sporting and events infrastructure. As CEO, James is responsible for overseeing largescale venue operations, partnerships, and longterm planning to support major events, community access, and economic outcomes across the state. His work sits at the intersection of government, industry, and commercial stakeholders, with a strong focus on delivering complex projects that maximise public value. Appointed the inaugural CEO of Stadiums Tasmania in 2023, James has led the organisation’s strategic priorities, including taking ownership of key Tasmanian stadiums and venues, delivering major capital upgrade programs, and progressing the transformational Macquarie Point Stadium project. Prior to joining Stadiums Tasmania, James held senior executive roles with organisations including the GWS GIANTS, the Australian Football League (AFL), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the Melbourne Storm. Across these roles, he worked in national and international sporting and infrastructure environments and led a range of highperformance and major venue programs.

Catherine Searle

Catherine has had a 35-year career in infrastructure in government and consulting. She is currently the Senior Leader City Infrastructure for the City of Launceston, and prior to that was a Principal Consultant and Hobart Office Lead for Jacobs, as well as Chair of the Tasmanian Committee of Consult Australia and Member of the Tasmanian Government's Building and Construction Roundtable. Catherine has qualifications and experience in politics, stakeholder and conflict management and cultural heritage, and she is currently doing a PhD at UTAS to develop a framework for Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment on infrastructure projects in regions prone to conflict.

David Pollington

David Pollington has been the Managing Director of ACEN Australia since July 2023 having been the Chief Operating Officer (formerly UPC\AC Renewables Australia) since its establishment in 2016. He has been involved in the renewable energy sector for more than 30 years leading projects from inception through to operations. David has held key roles in the industry, most notably, the Technical Director of Renewables at SKM/Jacobs, and General Manager of Construction for Roaring 40s, a joint development and asset management company between Hydro Tasmania and China Light and Power based out of Hong Kong, where he was responsible for construction activities in China, India, and Australia. David holds a Bachelor of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from the University of Tasmania and is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers. He is based in Hobart.

Tony Willmott

Tony has had an extensive career within the Local Government and Tasmanian Water & Sewerage Industry over the past 35 years and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is responsible for delivering TasWater’s large and ambitious capital works program, through the Capital Delivery Office (a joint venture alliance with UGL Engineering Ltd and CPB Contractors Pty Ltd) and the internal Project Delivery Group. In addition to the recent finalisation of the National Government Partnerships Excellence award winning Bryn Estyn WTP project, his team are currently delivering the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (TERHAP) and the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation Projects. The wider program encompasses many projects that have been identified by our Customers, Regulators and Owners through to the delivery phase and handover to our Operations Teams.

Andrew Hickman

Andrew has had 25 years with Hydro Tasmania, playing key roles in their asset management and capital investment projects. He is an experienced project management and construction professional and leader across a suite of engineering disciplines. He is regularly assigned Project Director accountabilities for Hydro Tasmania’s large projects including Musselroe Wind Farm and, more recently, for upgrade works and the proposed redevelopment at Tarraleah.

Ross Mannering

Ross has over 22 years’ of experience in the transport infrastructure design, project management, road safety, traffic engineering and stakeholder engagement, acquired through his involvement in a wide variety of transport infrastructure projects. He has played lead roles in the delivery of recent projects including Perth Link Roads, the South East Traffic Solution (SETS) and the Greater Hobart Park and Rides. In his role as General Manager Transport Tasmania at pitt&sherry Ross leads the delivery of a large portfolio of road, bridge, rail and port infrastructure projects.

Renée Anderson

Renée Anderson is Interim Chief Executive Officer of TasNetworks, Tasmania’s electricity transmission and distribution network service provider. Renée brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across energy, government, mining, engineering, education and tourism. Since joining TasNetworks in 2021, Renée has held executive responsibility for people, culture, community, transformation and stakeholder engagement, before being appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer in June 2026. Throughout her career, Renée has been passionate about developing people, building inclusive workplaces and supporting leaders to create opportunities for others. Her experience spans large and complex organisations, including the Tasmanian Department of Health, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Aurora Energy, Coffey International, Roaring 40s, Santos and Rio Tinto. Renée is Chair of the Australian Power Institute and a Director of 42-24, with a strong focus on supporting future capability across the energy sector. She is also active in the community, volunteering her HR and leadership expertise to a number of organisations.

Cedric Hodges

Cedric is the leader of the Deloitte Access Economics team in Tasmania as well as the economic modelling team nationally. He has spent the last 15 years using economic models to shed light on important policy questions and evaluate the potential economic impacts of major projects. His pet gripe is the number of surface car parks in Hobart and you're going to hear about it.

Erin van Maanen

Erin is an experienced energy sector leader with two decades’ experience across large-scale energy project development, wholesale trading, corporate finance and strategy. Erin has deep knowledge of the market and policy environment in the Australian energy sector. Erin is currently Executive General Manager, Strategy and Commercial at Hydro Tasmania, responsible for setting Hydro Tasmania’s strategic direction and growing and maximising portfolio value through project development, origination, portfolio optimisation and energy trading activities. Erin has held prior senior leadership roles in strategy, corporate finance, governance and commercial activities. Erin has also worked in wind development in Australia and Asia, and in renewable energy project advisory at Macquarie Capital in Hong Kong.

Jarred Hardman

As the Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Jarred is passionate about driving growth and innovation in the engineering and construction sector, with a focus on clean energy, public-private partnerships, and digital transformation. He leverages his Executive MBA to identify and execute strategic opportunities, create value for stakeholders, and foster a culture of excellence and collaboration. Over the last five years at Gamuda Australia, Jarred was instrumental in securing Gamuda’s first projects in Australia, the $2.7B Sydney Metro West- Western Tunnelling project and the $2.2B Coffs Harbour road bypass, and led the deal team during the acquisition of Downer’s transport projects business in Australia, now trading as DT Infrastructure, as part of the Gamuda Australia group of companies. Jarred then focused on establishing Gamuda’s renewable energy and transmission business in Australia, developing and implementing Gamuda’s strategy to acquire renewable energy developments, which led to GEA's first acquisition in Australia earlier in 2025. Jarred was also instrumental in Gamuda's recent expansion into New Zealand and is the architect of Gamuda’s local partnering strategy, which has enabled our consortium to secure the support of local partners, leading to our shortlisting for the Northland Road PPP. Before Gamuda, Jarred has had extensive experience in both the private and public sectors across NSW and Victoria, working on some of Australia's most significant and challenging infrastructure projects. Jarred has worked with Transport for NSW, Public Transport Victoria, John Holland, and Samsung, and has spent over 7 years with UGL. In addition to his MBA, Jarred has a law degree from the University of Melbourne.

Russell Kelly

As the peak body for Tasmania’s technology sector, TasICT’s mission is to strengthen the industry through business growth, workforce development and a united advocacy voice on Tasmania’s digital future. Russell has worked for over forty years in media communications and as a tech sector leader for the past twelve years. He was Public Affairs Manager for the National Broadband Network in Tasmania for nine years, during its most controversial rollout phase.

Kevin Bourne

Kevin has worked with government agencies and a leading design consultant on major water and transport infrastructure projects across the country, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. He brings a wealth of experience in infrastructure development and delivery projects, using a variety of project delivery methods. Now based in Hobart, he joined Building Tasmania (formerly Department of State Growth) in 2016, where he has expanded his in-depth exposure to a wide range of transport infrastructure projects. Kevin is currently responsible for planning and delivery of several major transport projects within Building Tasmania, including the Tasman Bridge pathways upgrade. This follows a critical leadership role between 2019 and 2025 to undertake the planning and delivery of the New Bridgewater Bridge, the single biggest transport infrastructure project in Tasmania’s history.

Suk Maan Kong

Suk Maan Kong is an infrastructure professional with over 20 years’ experience across the planning, design and delivery of major civil and transport projects in Tasmania. She was the Project Manager of the New Bridgewater Bridge, the largest transport infrastructure project in the state’s history, and is currently managing the Tasman Bridge pathways upgrade. Suk Maan brings extensive experience in the delivery of complex, high-profile infrastructure within live environments, with a strong focus on safety, accessibility, stakeholder co- ordination and long-term community outcomes. She is recognised for her pragmatic approach and her ability to guide projects from concept through to successful delivery.

Josh Marshall

Josh is a strategic infrastructure leader with over 20 years’ experience delivering complex capital programs and leading multidisciplinary teams across the rail, transport, water, and construction sectors. Known for a strong commercial and delivery focus, he has a track record of driving business growth, aligning diverse stakeholders, and achieving sustainable outcomes in both public and private sector environments. As General Manager - Projects at TasRail, Josh leads the planning and delivery of major infrastructure and capital works programs that are critical to the future of Tasmania’s freight and logistics network, including the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program. In addition to this role, he represents the rail industry nationally through an Executive Committee position with the Australasian Railway Association. With a long-term view that infrastructure is a key enabler of regional and national growth, Josh is passionate shaping investment-ready programs and fostering strong partnerships with government and industry to deliver enduring value.

Jade Kaye

Jade Kaye leads Capital Insight’s operations in Tasmania, specialising in the strategic planning and delivery of complex infrastructure and development projects across the State and broader Asia Pacific region. With more than 25 years’ experience across the property, transport, civic, health, energy and defence sectors, Jade is recognised for providing collaborative leadership and practical project delivery expertise across major public and private sector initiatives. He brings a strong track record guiding high-profile infrastructure programs from early strategic planning through to delivery, consistently aligning stakeholder, community and commercial objectives to achieve enduring outcomes. Jade has built a highly respected reputation within Tasmania’s infrastructure and development sectors, most recently serving as Director Major Projects with the Northern Tasmania Development Corporation. His experience includes significant contributions to landmark projects and programs including the Macquarie Point Stadium, University of Tasmania developments, major transport upgrades, health infrastructure initiatives and strategic advisory engagements. He is valued for his relationship-driven approach, governance capability and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, supporting clients and project teams to deliver integrated and sustainable infrastructure outcomes.

Marc White

Marc White (GAICD, EMBA) is Principal Consultant for Goanna Energy Consulting, a Hobart based firm established in 2007, with a proven business model built on making bottom line savings for commercial and industrial clients. Over the past eighteen years Marc has saved his Tasmanian end user clients over $25M in energy costs. With experience from day 1 of the National Electricity Market and deregulation of energy markets in almost every Australian state, Marc is arguably Tasmania’s most experienced energy market consultant. Marc is a coveted public speaker, having delivered keynote energy updates to over 1,000 Tasmanian businesspeople and is author of multiple reports on Tasmania’s energy market. Marc’s career in the energy industry spans 43 years and he has negotiated competitive energy contracts of up to $100M in value. He is also Senior Advisor and co-founder of Affiliate Company, Tasmanian Energy Brokers (www.tasenergybrokers.com.au ) which serves Tasmania’s small-medium enterprise market. Marc was previously Manager, National Sales for Aurora Energy during the first rounds of Tasmanian energy market deregulation and Aurora’s entry into the National Electricity Market (NEM), growing Aurora’s interstate energy business from near zero to several hundred million dollars. Prior to this Marc was Manager Wholesale, South Australia for Origin Energy during deregulation of South Australia’s Natural Gas market, where he was also responsible for Origin’s electricity market growth in SA’s heavy industrial market. Marc also worked for Powercor Australia Ltd where his roles included, Victorian Sales Manager, Manager Customer Operations and Industrial Segment Manager Marketing, Goanna Energy Consulting Pty Ltd ABN: 31 674 232 899 Telephone (03) 6223 7253 PO Box 30 SANDY BAY TAS 7006 E-Mail marc@goannaenergy.com.au growing Powercor’s retail arm from a regional supplier, into a dominant and profitable national energy retailer of choice, prior to the Origin Energy acquisition. Prior to joining Powercor, Marc worked for the State Electricity Commission of Victoria for 11 years, commencing in 1983 as an Apprentice Linesman, followed by Technical Officer, Project Manager, Operations & Services Manager, Distribution Manager and Regional Marketing Manager.

Andrew Train

Andrew is a senior project leader with more than 35 years’ experience delivering major capital projects across the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors. He has held leadership roles throughout the full project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, concept development, project execution, commissioning, and handover to operations. Andrew spent 27 years with BP in a range of operational, commercial, and project leadership positions before becoming a Project General Manager responsible for delivering complex large-scale offshore developments. During his time with BP, he was involved and led projects across the UK, the Netherlands, Turkey, Norway, and Azerbaijan. He later joined OMV, where he led front-end conceptual development for a frontier project in the Barents Sea and a major nation-building project for OMV Petrom in the Black Sea, Romania. In the renewable energy sector, Andrew worked with Centrica, leading conceptual development work for hydrogen storage through the redevelopment of the Rough gas field in the UK. Before joining Marinus Link he led the second phase of an offshore wind farm development for SSE Renewables. Andrew holds an engineering degree from University of Strathclyde, is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE), and earned an MBA from University of Warwick.

Michel de Vos

Michel de Vos is the Group Executive, Major Projects, Assets and Technical Services at TasPorts, where he leads the delivery of major infrastructure projects and oversees strategic asset management, environmental sustainability, engineering and technical services across the organisation. With extensive experience in the maritime and ports sector, Michel has held senior leadership roles across Australia and New Zealand, including executive positions at Napier Port where he was responsible for infrastructure planning, engineering and asset management. Michel has built a career delivering complex port and marine infrastructure projects, with expertise spanning project delivery, dredging, marine engineering and sustainable asset management. He holds a background in naval architecture, with qualifications from the Australian Maritime College and postgraduate studies in Maritime and Logistics Management from the University of Tasmania.

Susie Bower

Michael Stretton

Michael Stretton began his career in local government with Sorell Council in southeast Tasmania in 1995. With a keen interest in development and planning, Michael went on to work at the Glenorchy and Central Coast councils, before being appointed Director of Development Services at the City of Launceston in 2012. In 2014, Michael took on the role of General Manager at Waratah-Wynyard Council in the north-west of the state, before returning to the City of Launceston as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2017. Michael was the driving force behind the success of the Launceston City Deal while in the CEO role. Michael commenced as CEO of the City of Hobart in February 2024 with a focus on modernising the organisation and its practices, refining the Council’s governance structures, improving its engagement and delivery of the community’s priorities. Michael is a member of the working group tasked with the strategic review of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington and is also a member of the Destination Southern Tasmania Board. Michael has master’s degrees in Business Administration as well as Applied Science (Environmental Health).

Jacob Gerke

Richie Sheather

Angela Hucker

Angela Hucker is a TEDx speaker, podcast host, and CEO of EPIC, a multi-award-winning social enterprise focused on improving culture across Australia’s construction industry. With nearly 30 years of experience across major projects, including almost a decade working FIFO, Angela brings deep, practical insight into leadership, psychosocial safety, and workplace culture. Named among the Top 100 Women in Construction, and an ambassador for Women Building NSW, Angela addresses first-hand the leadership challenges to help make the future of construction more sustainable.

Sarah Fitzgerald

Sarah has over 25 years of experience in developing, implementing, managing and evaluating community and stakeholder engagement and communication strategies. She's analytical and skilled at collaborating with clients to identify strengths and opportunities and ideate road maps to a sustainable future state.
Sarah has worked on community and stakeholder engagement programs across all sectors with a recent emphasis on the energy transition including pumped hydro, wind, solar, pipeline decarbonisation, transmission and interconnection, climate change and resiliency.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Education and Masters of Public Administration from the University of Tasmania and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).