Conference Program

MC OPENS

SPEED NETWORKING

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

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS

Sally Stannard, Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads

CROSS RIVER RAIL

• Latest updates on Cross River Rail.
• The project, which is jointly funded by state and federal governments, will ease congestion, improve connectivity and boost capacity.

Jeremy Kruger, Program Director, Cross River Rail Authority

QUEENSLAND FREIGHT: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Updates and priorities for Queensland’s Freight.
• Challenges and opportunities. 
• Overview of NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan.

Brayden Soo, Acting Manager, Freight and Supply Chains, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

GOLD COAST LIGHT RAIL STAGE 3 PROJECT

• Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 will extend the existing tram network to connect Broadbeach South and Burleigh Heads.
• Key updates.

Gavin Massingham, Program Director Gold Coast Light Rail, Department of Transport and Main Roads

BEERBURRUM TO NAMBOUR (B2N) RAIL UPGRADE

• The B2N upgrade will duplicate the North Coast Line between Beerburrum and Landsborough stations.
• The $550.8 million project will also deliver station upgrades, new park 'n' ride facilities and new rail passing loops.

PANEL DISCUSSION 
Technology-Driven Solutions in Transport Infrastructure Projects

• Hear from a panel of experts about how data and technology can optimise transport infrastructure projects.

James Gleeson, Founder and Director, Marvel Engineers
Tim Wark, Global AI Lead, AECOM

OVERVIEW OF TRANSPORT PROJECTS ON THE NORTH COAST 

• Updates on several major transport infrastructure projects currently underway in the North Coast region.

Scott Whitaker, Regional Director (North Coast / Wide Bay Burnett), Department of Transport and Main Roads

MANAGING CONGESTION IN MAJOR URBAN CENTRES

• Strategies for reducing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility in densely populated areas.
• Analysis of current congestion trends in urban areas such as Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Cairns.

WARREGO HIGHWAY UPGRADE PROGRAM

• The Warrego Highway Upgrade will deliver new bypasses, intersection improvements, road widening and flood mitigation.
• Key updates on the project.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

• The School Transport Infrastructure Program will focus on improving transport access to schools across Queensland.
• The project will deliver safety upgrades, improved public transport connections, and upgraded bus and active transport infrastructure.

HYDROGEN-POWERED AIRCRAFT IN QUEENSLAND

• Stralis Aircraft are advancing hydrogen electric flight in Queensland via hydrogen electric propulsion systems.
• Key updates, opportunities and challenges.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE ROLLOUT IN QUEENSLAND

• Overview of the Electric Vehicle Rollout Plan in QLD.
• The initiative will assist the transition to net zero emission transport.

MC OPENS

SPEED NETWORKING

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

BRISBANE METRO

• Brisbane Metro will enhance connectivity between the inner-city and the suburbs by delivering fast and frequent travel via high-capacity electric metro vehicles.
• Key updates.

Councillor Ryan Murphy, Civic Cabinet Chair, Brisbane City Council

DECARBONISING THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY 

• How Queensland can move towards a cleaner transport industry to support the QLD Government’s decarbonisation targets. 

INLAND RAIL

• Overview of the Inland Rail project, which will connect Melbourne to Brisbane via inland routes. 
• Key updates.

Michael Farrell, Regional Director – Queensland, Inland Rail

BRUCE HIGHWAY UPGRADE PROGRAM

• The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program will improve safety, capacity and resilience of the highway, reduce travel times and enhance freight movement.
• The program will deliver $12.6 billion worth of works over a 15-year period.

PANEL DISCUSSION 
Transport Infrastructure and Climate 

• Hear from a panel of experts about integrating environmental considerations into transport planning.
• Innovation in clean construction materials and energy-efficient transport solutions.  

Greg Schumann, Director of Transport and Green Mobility ANZ, ENGIE

PACIFIC MOTORWAY M1 UPGRADE PROGRAM

• Ongoing upgrades to improve capacity, safety and efficiency of the M1 between Brisbane and Gold Coast.
• Key updates and priorities.

ENHANCING QUEENSLAND’S BICYCLE NETWORK

• Expanding and improving cycling infrastructure across the state.
• Current initiatives aimed at improving safety for cyclists and meeting growing demand for cycling infrastructure.

Alton Twine, Chief Executive Officer, Bicycle Queensland

THE ROLE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

• How public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be used to enhance innovation, fast-track project delivery, and mitigate risk in QLD’s transport infrastructure projects.

Sam Mendoza, National Infrastructure Lead, WT Partnership

MAKING TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE WEATHER-RESILIENT

• Prioritising weather-resilience in transport infrastructure. 
• How transport systems can adapt to withstand extreme weather events.

TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT QUEENSLAND’S TOURISM 

• How transport infrastructure can enhance connectivity, improve transport links, expand public transport networks, and improve access to tourist hotspots to support tourism in Queensland.