Conference Agenda

Ministerial Address

Hon Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Transport Infrastructure,Minister for Public and Active Transport, Victorian Government

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.

Victoria’s infrastructure strategy 2025-2055

• Key updates and priorities for Victoria’s 30-year infrastructure strategy, 2021-2051
• The 30-year strategy provides a practical plan for such public policy areas as housing, energy, transport, and social infrastructure

Dr Jonathan Spear, Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Victoria

Victoria's Big Housing Build

• Victoria has unveiled the delivery plan for its ambitious $1-billion Regional Housing Fund aimed at adding 1300 social and affordable homes to rural and regional areas
• The program is likely to present significant opportunities for developers through 2028

James Henry, Director, Property Development, Housing Choices Australia

Building Victoria’s Health Infrastructure Projects

• Hospital Upgrades: Major upgrades to Victorian hospitals as part of an $11 billion investment into the state's healthcare system
• Victoria is undertaking significant hospital upgrades and new builds, including new campuses for the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women's Hospital, upgrades for Austin Hospital and the Northern Hospital, the construction of a new West Gippsland Hospital, and the new Queen Elizabeth II hospital, as well as the redevelopment of existing hospitals like Wonthaggi and Monash Medical Centre. 
• These projects are part of a larger $7.3 billion investment in Health Infrastructure

Priscilla Radice, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Health Building Authority

Presentation by the Victorian School Building Authority 

• Presentation on Victorian’s big investment to build, maintain and upgrade schools across the state, and to build 100 new schools by 2026.

Dimi Petreski, Director (Major Projects), Victorian School Building Authority

PANEL DISCUSSION
Investing in Aboriginal community-controlled health and wellbeing infrastructure

• Hear from a panel of experts who will discuss culturally safe services, and how government can help close the gap in Aboriginal health and wellbeing outcomes.

Louise Alexander, Executive Manager| Strategic Infrastructure Projects, VACCHO

PRESENTATION BY CONFERENCE GOLD SPONSOR

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.

Tania de Jong AM, Executive Director, Mind Medicine Australia

Overview of Major Projects: Mildura City Council

• Situated in the Mallee region of Victoria alongside the Murray River, Mildura is reviving its social and economic wellbeing through major infrastructure investment and projects that aim to transform the region and secure its future prosperity.
• Major Projects updates in the Mildura City Council.

Martin Hawson, Chief Executive Officer, Mildura Rural City Council

SEC Renewable Energy Park in Victoria

• The project, which will see a 100MW/200MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) co-located with a 119MW solar PV power plant, will be built in two stages with the support of developer OX2.
• The SEC Renewable Energy Park will be Victoria’s first 100% publicly owned utility-scale renewable energy project.
• It is estimated to cost around AU$370 million (US$240 million) to develop fully and is being constructed around 300km northwest of the state capital, Melbourne, in Horsham.

PRESENTATION BY CONFERENCE GOLD SPONSOR

Women in Construction 

• Key Challenges and Solutions.
• Attracting more women to Construction.

Katherine Brewis, Chapter President - VIC Chapter Council, NAWIC

Powering the Future: Emerging Trends in EV Charging Infrastructure Across Victoria

• As electric vehicle adoption accelerates, Victoria is at the forefront of a charging infrastructure revolution. This session explores the latest trends shaping the rollout of charging networks—from ultra-fast charging and smart grid integration to innovative funding models, policy shifts, and urban planning implications. 
• Industry expert will share insights on current initiatives, the evolving regulatory landscape, and strategies for meeting the growing demand in urban and regional areas. 
• Attendees will gain a forward-looking perspective on how charging infrastructure is becoming a cornerstone of sustainable transport and city development in Victoria.

Ross De Rango, Director, Vehicle Charging Solutions Australia

City of Melbourne - Greenline Project

• The Greenline Project will deliver a 4 km seamless, connected journey with improved public spaces for events, public art and recreation along the way. The project will be split into five inter-connected precincts; Birrarung Marr, The Falls, River Park, Maritime and Saltwater Wharf, all highlighting the area's rich indigenous history.

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.

Major Projects by Development Victoria

• Development Victoria partners with government and industry to create places that make a genuine difference to the people of Victoria.
• Development Victoria is delivering eight new and upgraded sporting infrastructure projects across regional Victoria over the coming years, bringing locals exactly what they want and need, attracting visitors to the regions, and providing opportunities for local businesses through the delivery of these projects.

Benjamin Delaney, Acting Group Head, Civic Infrastructure, Development Victoria

Transforming Melbourne West - Sunbury’s $2bn Town Centre Development Project

• A $2bn retail surge is on the way to one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs.
• Set along a 380m stretch of Sunbury Rd — one of the region’s busiest arterials.
• By 2046, Sunbury’s population is forecast to more than double from 44,000 to over 105,000 residents.
• Retail expenditure in the area is tipped to soar from $1.15bn in 2024 to $2.45bn by 2041.
• Project insights and updates.

Tim McIntosh, National Director | Retail Middle Markets, Colliers

Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation - The Fox: NGV Contemporary

• The Fox: NGV Contemporary is part of the Allan Labor Government's $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation which also includes significant upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne's Theatres Building and Laak Boorndap, a new 18,000 square metre urban garden filled with biodiverse planting, public art and places for rest.
• The Fox: NGV Contemporary will span 30,000 square metres, with more than 13,000 square metres of public space to display contemporary art and design from Victoria and around the world, including exhibition galleries, hospitality and events spaces and an expansive rooftop terrace.

North East Link Project

• The North East Link is the largest ever investment in Melbourne’s northeast and it is forging ahead towards completion as works continue to ramp up. 
• The North east Link program of works is delivering three major road projects, including the 6.5-kilometre North East Link Tunnels from Watsonia to Bulleen, the Eastern Freeway Upgrades, and the M80 Ring Road Completion.

The Better Roads Blitz: Delivering Safer, Smoother Roads for All Victorians

• Overview of the $976 million investment
• Scope, timelines, and regional focus
• Key metrics and targets for delivery

Australia’s largest built-to-rent development in Docklands

• How might District Living redefine urban living standards?
• How does this development help to evolve its part of Docklands as a residential precinct?
• The importance of infrastructure in driving quality urban residential development, particularly transport and community infrastructure.
• Can large-scale BTR developments provide more affordable and secure housing options?
• How does BTR compare to traditional private rentals in Australia.

Mat Stoddart, Development Director, AsheMorgan

PANEL DISCUSSION
Digital technologies that can unlock millions in infrastructure productivity benefits for Victoria

• Five digital technologies can help meet Victoria’s growing infrastructure needs faster, finds a new report commissioned by Infrastructure Victoria, mainly machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), robotics advanced imaging, advanced data analytics, geospatial and technologies.
• Key experts will delve into the digital technology and infrastructure productivity and their potential to boost productivity across government infrastructure.

Supply Chains and Delivery: Addressing the Skills Shortage

• The Australian construction industry, including Victoria, faces significant challenges related to supply chains and workforce shortages, impacting project delivery and costs. 
• These challenges include material shortages, rising material costs, and a lack of skilled labor, especially for large-scale projects. These issues are exacerbating delays, increasing project budgets, and potentially impacting the long-term sustainability of the industry.
• Expert insight on how to mitigate the challenges and solution driven outcomes.

Nik Ruparel, Director, ProNEXUS Careers
Zac Kerr, Partner, Gilbert & Tobin

Navigating Technical Planning Assessments and Streamlining Site Selection for Renewable Energy Projects in Victoria

• The types of technical assessments required,
• Key challenges faced with navigating technical planning legislation and conditions,
• A net zero approach to controls and mitigation,
• Use of digital tools to allow for efficient evaluation and informed decision making.

David Yates, Director, WSP

New Melton Hospital

• The new Melton Hospital in Australia, a 274-bed facility that will be Victoria’s first fully electric hospital has engaged Honeywell as the building automation provider.
• The New Melton Hospital project is estimated to cost between $900 million and $1 billion. The Victorian Government has committed over $900 million to fund the project.
• The New Melton Hospital project is expected to be completed in 2029.

Tourism Experience Victoria 2033 Strategy Plan 

• Experience Victoria 2033 is our strategic plan to shape the future of Victoria’s visitor economy over the next 10 years.The plan will strengthen Victoria’s enviable tourism offering by leveraging the state’s competitive advantages.
• Strategy Overview.