Speakers

The Hon. Michael Ferguson

Michael entered political life determined to make a real difference and improve the lives of Tasmanians. His vision is “for Tasmanians to be the happiest people, enjoying the best quality of life in Australia”. Michael has committed his time in public life to local, state and Federal levels of government.

Michael grew up, studied and married in Northern Tasmania. He displayed a passion for community work and charitable causes. He achieved two degrees at UTAS, a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Applied Science, developed interests in youth work, radio and politics. He started his own business before working as a high school teacher in 1996.

Michael taught maths, science and IT at state secondary schools. His continued commitment to many community organisations led him to being named Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year for 2002 by the National Australia Day Committee. That year Michael was elected to the Meander Valley Council.

From 2004 to 2007 he served as Federal Member for Bass. In that role he worked on a number of parliamentary and policy committees, secured funding for health, road, infrastructure, education and improved shipping between Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands. Michael served the Clifford Craig Foundation as CEO, advancing its mission for world class medical research in Northern Tasmania.

In 2010 he was elected as a member of the Tasmanian Parliament and was returned each election since.

Michael currently serves the Tasmanian people as Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure & Transport and Minister for Planning. Previous portfolios include Health, Finance, Local Government, Housing, State Growth, Small Business, Science & Technology, Police, Fire & Emergency Management and Leader of the House.

Michael strongly believes in the values of hard work, self-discipline and personal integrity all underpinned by his Christian faith.

Ben Goodsir

Ben Goodsir is currently the CEO of Infrastructure Tasmania. In this current role Ben is leading Infrastructure Tasmania which has a diverse role, including:

• Providing expert advice on infrastructure, transport, freight, and land use planning
• Promoting and manage infrastructure investment and delivery improvements
• Leading major infrastructure and capital projects for Government
• Developing policy, strategy, governance, and legislative reforms
• Providing road network planning, operational and management support.

Ben has over 25 years’ experience in senior leadership roles in the public and private sectors. Prior to joining Infrastructure Tasmania in May 2022 Ben held various leadership roles across several Tasmanian Government departments including Natural Resource and Environment, Treasury and Finance, and Premier and Cabinet.

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.

Anne Beach

Anne Beach is currently the Chief Executive Officer at the Macquarie Point Development Corporation. Anne has held senior executive positions in the Department of State Growth and Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, has worked in a range of State Government agencies and portfolios, and in the not-for-profit sector as a Board Chair and Director. Anne is experienced in leading teams and delivering strategy, policy, advising and leading negotiations, program design and delivery, corporate services, and establishing, reporting to and working on project and intergovernmental committees and Boards. Anne has a Bachelor of Science, an MBA majoring in Finance, and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Nathan Calman

Ben Moloney

Ben’s wealth of experience managing large scale infrastructure projects across the country has led him to his current role in delivering Tasmania’s single biggest transport infrastructure project, the $786 million New Bridgewater Bridge to be completed mid-2025. He is the ‘State’s Representative’ administering the design and construction contract for the project and leads the small internal government team that is working collaboratively with the contractor and consultants to deliver this once-in-a-generation project for the State. An engineer by trade, Ben started his professional career in Western Australia with the Maritime Division of the Department of Transport, before relocating to Tasmania almost two decades ago. Prior to his current role, Ben spent five years as the State’s Project Director for the $689 million Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment, leading the team from the design development phase through to the completion of construction and commissioning. With experience in delivering major public sector infrastructure projects from the planning stages right through until completion, Ben has brought a unique set of skills to his current role where he is successfully managing a multitude of challenges typical of major infrastructure projects.

Anne Greentree

Anne is the Director Visitor Economy Strategy and Research for Tourism Tasmania. Over the last four years Anne has led collaboration across government and industry in the design and implementation of the two-year plan to support recovery of Tasmania’s tourism industry from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; and most recently the 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy for Tasmania. Prior to moving to Tasmania in 2017, Anne held executive leadership positions over the last 20 years in the Queensland Government including ecotourism development in national parks and long-term tourism strategy. Prior to taking up the role in Tourism Tasmania in 2019, Anne worked remotely from Tasmania as the Vice-President for Business Development and the Asia Pacific for a boutique parks and recreation digital company in New York. Anne is passionate about protecting what is special about Tasmania and supporting our tourism sector to be part of that future.

Vanessa King

Vanessa has over 25 years’ experience in infrastructure project delivery, in private and public sector organisations. After starting in water and wastewater, she has been “playing on the road” of Tasmanian highways for the past 8 years, with forays into projects (predominantly health sector) and energy infrastructure along the way. She’s interested in the connections between infrastructure and the people who use it, and passionate about making things better – whether that’s the assets themselves or the tools and processes we use in delivering projects.

Catherine Searle

Catherine has had an interesting portfolio career as a Consultant Archaeologist, Political Advisor in Defence and Environment, Government Transformation Executive in the UK, and most recently Principal in Stakeholder Engagement and Communications for Jacobs and their Hobart Office Lead. Catherine is the Chair of the Tasmanian Committee of Consult Australia and an industry representative on the Government’s Building and Construction Roundtable. Catherine has a BA Hons in Archaeology, an MSc in Middle East Politics and is currently doing a PhD to develop a framework for Peace & Conflict Impact Assessment for controversial infrastructure projects in regions of the world that are prone to conflict.

Jennifer Lawley

My career as a Senior Strategic Planner and Architect, has spanned over 18 years, and has focused in strategic land use planning, masterplanning and policy development. I have a deep passion for Tasmania, having chosen to relocate here from Sydney and recognise its unique landscape, both natural and built, as well as it’s established and emerging communities. In my current role at City of Hobart, as a Program Leader in the City Futures Division, I am leading the development of key projects and ensuring the strategic alignment of planning outcomes with the Greater Hobart Plan and other leading Government policies. I have also been leading the development of several structure plans to help guide the future settlement strategy for this incredible capital city. In my previous role as Coordinator of City Strategy at Glenorchy City Council, I took on high profile, complex strategic land use projects as well as being an active member of working groups across the Greater Hobart City Deal. Glenorchy has been experiencing rapid growth, as well as diversification of population and industry and I worked on masterplans, strategies and built-form analysis to ensure the growth of its commercial centres reflects the endorsed 2040 vision and focuses on ‘placemaking’ rather than solely on development.

Alex Barber

Alex Barber is highly experienced in the property, development, and project management sectors with over 18 years’ experience in both government and government business enterprises. Alex has also led a number of high profile and complex property and commercial projects and transactions for government and the states key infrastructure bodies, including the commercial negotiations and relocation of Toll Transport from Macquarie Point to the Brighton Transport Hub and headlease negations with the Federal Group on the sale of Macq01 hotel and numerous statewide property transactions (lease, sales and acquisitions) including the establishment of complex competitive bid frameworks to support significant private development opportunities and investment. Alex is currently the Director of Major Infrastructure Projects, within Infrastructure Tasmania (Department of State Growth) leading a significant portfolio of complex capital and community infrastructure projects on behalf of the State Government, including the recently acquired UTAS Stadium Redevelopment Project, AFL High Performance Centre, relocated JackJumpers High Performance Centre and the States largest Community Recreation Centre now under construction in Mowbray.

Angela Hucker

Angela is the CEO and Founder of EPIC, a TEDx speaker, internationally certified coach, mentor, ambassador, educator, and advocate for women in construction. She has over 25 years in the construction industry that started in her family's commercial landscaping business. Breaking barriers early, she became one of the first women in Queensland skilled in locksmithing. Angela's expertise is broad, encompassing oil and gas, mega-projects, civil engineering, maritime and renewables. She has contributed to international projects in the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, with one of her projects featured on US TV show "Mega-Structures." Her firsthand experiences as a FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) worker spurred her to tackle the unique challenges women face in construction, ultimately leading to the creation of EPIC. Angela's commitment extends to her active roles in multiple committees with NAWIC, which focusses on diversity, inclusion, and advocacy. Her commitment to community service is evident through her volunteer work with organisations such as White Ribbon Australia, Beacon Foundation, Women Building Australia, and Be Hers. Angela is passionately committed to making the construction industry a more welcoming place for women and driving it towards a sustainable future. Her leadership, vision, and dedication are paving the way for future generations of women in construction.

Dr. Manikandan Muthiah

With 23+ years experience both globally and locally, Mani is a highly qualified Senior Structural Engineer orchestrating large infrastructure projects such as tall buildings, shopping complexes, schools, and airports (Kuwait International Airport) alongside smaller-scale projects with his trademark attention to detail and quality. Holding a BE(Hons) in Civil Engineering, an MBA and a Ph.D in Risk Management, he is a highly skilled technician in commercial design, structural engineering, timber structures, reinforced concrete and steel structures with proficiency across software programs and a passion for project management. Mani is a sought after keynote speaker globally whilst bringing his expertise to Tasmania’s infrastructure and construction projects as Engineering Manager with HED Consulting.

Jacob Gerke

Jacob Gerke joined Tasmanian Irrigation in 2017 and leads the Company’s Project Delivery team. His principal focus is ensuring projects complete all phases, including detailed design, permits and approvals, construction and commissioning, in a safe manner while adhering to high quality, time and cost standards. Jacob is a skilled leader with more than 15 years’ experience in both the civil and offshore oil and gas construction sectors throughout Australia and Asia. Jacob has a strong project management and engineering background with a Bachelor of Engineering (Marine and Offshore Systems) (Hons) from the Australian Maritime College in Launceston. Jacob started his career in Perth, Western Australia after growing up in the north east of Tasmania.

Alan Whykes

Simon Troman

Simon has over 30 years’ experience throughout the renewable energy sector, covering international aid and development, government, commercial, project management, and research roles. Simon is well known in the renewable energy sector in his role as CEO of ITPower / ITP Renewables and later Atratus Consulting. He was a board member of several industry associations including the Smart Energy Council, Australian Ocean Energy Group and the Australian PV Institute. Simon was an inaugural member of the ARENA Advisory panel, and an advisor for the ACT government’s ambitious renewable energy plans, including the first large scale reverse auction. Simon was the first project manager for the Majura Community Owned Solar farm, an advisor to NASA and CSIRO on energy for their terrestrial tracking stations, and for something totally different an advisor to an eTrike mobility program. Under his leadership ITP won engineering and export awards and was formally recognised as a leader in gender equality. Simon has a passion for using electrification as a tool to assist developing countries, and has worked on projects in southern Africa, India, Colombia and throughout the Pacific. He was privileged to have been involved in the management and deployment of several iconic projects, including the Cape Barren Island and Coral Bay wind / diesel hybrid systems, the Tokelau Renewable Energy Program (the “world’s first solar powered nation”), the solar installation on Australian Parliament House, the first solar powered water pumping systems used in the Kalahari Desert, and the National Arboretum off-grid solar / battery project. Simon’s current role is Assistant Director Hydrogen Development with the Tasmanian Government, where he is responsible for delivering the Government’s domestic hydrogen plans.

Richard Eccleston

Richard Eccleston is a specialist in social and economic policy and has worked on a wide range of policy issues, analysing and developing practical evidence-based solutions to some of the most significant policy challenges facing our community. In recent years Richard has worked with a range of governments and led projects on a wide range of topics from tax reform, housing affordability, regional governance and development to climate and energy policy. He has been a Fulbright Senior Scholar based in Washington DC and was the Founding Director of the Institute for Social Change at the University of Tasmania.

Lachlan Johnson

Lachlan Johnson completed his PhD on the role of knowledge networks in regional innovation clusters in early 2021. In the TPE, he has a leading role in project design, data analysis and visualisation and in research and stakeholder engagement. In addition to ARC-funded research investigating Australian taxation arrangements, Lachlan has contributed extensively to the TPE’s work on the Future of Local Government Review, regional employment and climate policy.

Nik Ruparel

Nik began his career as an Accountant and then transitioned into Business Consulting, before specialising in the recruitment of Executive and Management positions, with over 20 years’ experience in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. Nik has first-hand experience of identifying talent for major infrastructure projects across the country. Nik has delivered recruitment which has included permanent and temporary positions, managing single assignments and project-based recruitment, that has involved the development and delivery of large-scale international sourcing campaigns. Nik has successfully delivered a range of positions covering Senior Executive, Project Management, Transformation, Procurement, Commercial, Design.

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.

Michel de Vos

Michel joined TasPorts in February 2023, and is responsible for strategic asset management, engineering and project delivery as well as overseeing environmental compliance and sustainability. Michel has a background in the maritime and ports industry and has been involved in maritime projects across Australia, Asia and India. Michel is experienced in the ports sector, holding roles at major ports throughout Australia and New Zealand including the delivery of large infrastructure projects. He is on the board of PIANC Australia and New Zealand, the World Assocation for Waterborne Transport and Infrastructure.

Erin van Maanen

Erin is an experienced energy sector leader with two decades’ experience across strategy, trading, energy project development and corporate finance. She thrives on solving problems and delivering outcomes in complex, fast paced environments. Erin brings deep knowledge of the market and regulatory environment in the Australian energy sector and a strong track record for building talented, engaged and high performing teams. Erin is Executive General Manager Strategy at Hydro Tasmania, responsible for setting Hydro Tasmania’s strategic direction and championing its execution. Erin is proud to be making a positive contribution to Australia's low carbon energy transition.

Simon Talbot

Simon is Chief Executive Officer for ABEL Energy who are developing the $1.7B Green Methanol /Green Hydrogen Facility at Bell Bay. Simon has over 25 years Corporate experience working as an Executive across Asia Pacific; at leading companies including Kraft Foods, Australian Paper, Cadbury and Coles Group. He recently returned to Tasmania to lead the project, describing it as one of the most important investments in Tasmania since the Hydro Electric schemes.

Mike Carter

Mike is a power engineer and senior leader who has spent most of his career in the electricity transmission sector, focusing on major project feasibility, development and execution.

Over the last twenty years, Mike’s roles have included Project Director for the Basslink Interconnector, General Manager of Projects for Transpower NZ, and General Manager of Network Engineering for AusNet Services. Mike advised Marinus Link for three years before becoming Project Director in early 2024.

Mike has extensive experience structuring and leading major projects with strong technical, project management, commercial, and leadership skills. His expertise spans a range of ownership and financial structures, including project financing, private equity, and government-funded projects and businesses.

Jane Nicholls

Jane has spent the past 4 years with a purpose led social enterprise, the Infrastructure Sustainability Council. Engaging with the Australian and New Zealand infrastructure sector to support knowledge building, collaboration, and the application of IS Rating Tools developed to measure, benchmark, and drive sustainability performance of infrastructure assets over the whole of life - from Planning to Operations - their work is applicable to all sectors including Transport, Energy and Water assets. Supporting quadruple bottom line reporting and government legislation designed to drive impact, accountability, and Australia achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, Jane’s role sees her engaged right across the infrastructure value chain including public and private sector asset owners and delivery agencies, government policy and regulatory authorities, consultancies, contractors, operators, suppliers, educators, associations, and SME’s.

Prior to joining the ISC, Jane enjoyed a challenging and dynamic leadership career spanning major media transformations globally, commercialisation of the first single view multi-media measurement system in Australia with global leader IPSOS and as the Chief Operating Officer of the NSW Business Chamber where she led a transformation that included re-thinking how to better engage, grow and retain Members across all industry segments.

Jane is a dynamic professional, engaging, down to earth and committed to a sustainable future for all people, the planet and economy. Jane took the decision to move to Tasmania when COVID made how and where we work a choice and feels very privileged to have this opportunity for a better life.

Chris Hawkins

Chris Hawkins is a Director at WT, based in Hobart. He has over 20 years’ experience working on landmark and award-winning projects throughout Tasmania and in the UK. He has been a key member of WT in Tasmania for over 16 years. Chris has extensive experience working across Tasmania’s construction industry, which provides vital insights for clients into the unique challenges of working in Tasmania. WT has successfully delivered multiple infrastructure projects throughout the state and is currently supporting major projects such as New Bridgewater Bridge, Macquarie Point Stadium, UTAS Stadium Redevelopment and the Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub.