Conference Program

08:50 - 09:00

MC OPENS

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 conference attendees.

09:30 - 10:00

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS

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

10:00 - 10:30

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

10:30 - 11:00

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, Manager, Freight and Supply Chains, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

11:30 - 12:00

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

12:00 - 12:20

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.

12:20 - 13:00

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

14:00 - 14:30

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

14:30 - 14:50

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.

14:50 - 15:10

WARREGO HIGHWAY UPGRADE PROGRAM

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

15:40 - 16:00

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.

16:00 - 16:20

HYDROGEN-POWERED AIRCRAFT IN QUEENSLAND

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

16:20 - 16:40

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.

08:50 - 09:00

MC OPENS

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 conference attendees.

09:30 - 10:00

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

10:00 - 10:20

DECARBONISING THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY 

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

Kate Mackay, Principal, Arup

10:20 - 10:40

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

11:10 - 11:30

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.

11:30 - 12:10

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

12:10 - 12:30

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.

12:30 - 13:00

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

14:00 - 14:20

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

14:20 - 14:40

MAKING TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE WEATHER-RESILIENT

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

14:40 - 15:00

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.