Infrastructure Matters by IPWEA

Parks, public spaces and green infrastructure are essential infrastructure — supporting healthier communities, better asset management and more liveable cities.

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, Anand Pillay, Chief Executive Officer of Parks and Leisure Australia, joins David Jenkins, Chief Executive of IPWEA, to explore why parks and open spaces need a stronger voice in local government planning.

Together, they discus...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Peter Christensen and Midhun Joseph from Christchurch City Council to explore an award-winning green infrastructure project that combines flood protection, water quality improvement, ecological restoration and community value. Peter and Midhun unpack how the project was developed to respond to flood risk in southwest Christchurch while also delivering broader outcomes...

Local governments have a powerful role in shaping sustainable infrastructure.

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, Clare Tubolets, CEO of SmartCrete CRC, explains how the built environment sector can reduce embodied carbon in concrete and why systemic barriers — not technology — are slowing progress.

Clare shares insights from SmartCrete’s national research program and discusses how procurement frameworks, reg...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, David Jenkins speaks with Blake Gordon (Brightly) and Tamara Allen-Canny (Wagtail Red) about how regional councils can build infrastructure capability amid workforce shortages, funding constraints, and rising expectations.

The discussion focuses on leadership, culture, digital tools, and practical strategies councils can apply today to close capability gaps and deliver better outcomes for t...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Megan Finnie, Senior Asset Manager at Fulton Hogan and Director, IPWEA NSW & ACT. Megan brings a unique lens on the future of public works, blending academic expertise with frontline experience. We explore workforce challenges, climate pressures, and the role of storytelling, mentoring, and systems thinking in modern infrastructure planning. Megan shares honest re...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, host David Jenkins sits down with Lunda Asmani, President of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and Ashay Prabhu, International Advisor to GFOA and Co-Founder of Modelve, for a deep dive into the intersection of finance, infrastructure, and asset management.

Together, they explore how the United States is addressing its growing infrastructure deficit, the evolving role of ...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, host David Jenkins sits down with Rod Balding, Chief Executive Officer of Standards Australia, to explore how national standards underpin the safety, innovation, and sustainability of Australia’s infrastructure and everyday life.Rod discusses how Standards Australia collaborates with over 7,000 volunteers to develop frameworks that impact everything from energy transition and water q...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by the Hon. Dean Macpherson, South Africa’s Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure. Minister Macpherson shares his ambitious vision for transforming South Africa into a “major construction site” where infrastructure drives economic growth, job creation, and national renewal.We discuss the government’s priorities, from fighting corruption and ...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we sit down with Hon. Chris Bishop, New Zealand's Minister for Infrastructure, Housing, and RMA Reform, to explore the country’s long-term infrastructure vision. Speaking at the International Public Works Conference, Minister Bishop outlines his priorities for the next 10–20 years, including asset management reform, housing growth, and the development of a national infrastructu...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Peter Achterstraat, New South Wales Productivity and Equality Commissioner, for a deep dive into the state’s productivity performance, housing pressures, infrastructure challenges, and workforce capacity.

Peter shares valuable insights on how productivity trends have shifted over the past century, the role of technology and regulation, and what New South Wales mu...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Susan Freeman-Greene, Chief Executive of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), for a rich discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing local councils across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Drawing from her background as a lawyer, mediator, and former CEO of Engineering New Zealand, Susan brings a unique perspective on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and pub...

In this special episode of Infrastructure Matters, recorded live at the IPWEA Fleet Conference, we’re joined by Will Batty, Associate Vice President, Business Development - APAC at Geotab, to explore the future of fleet management through data, AI, and innovation.

Will shares insights into how connected vehicle data is reshaping asset management, improving safety, and driving sustainability. From predictive maintenance powered...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we speak with Chris L’Ecluse, Queensland State Manager for Teletrac Navman, about the evolving world of telematics and its transformative role in fleet safety, compliance, and culture.With a background in highway patrol and crash investigation, Chris shares how his passion for road safety led him from the police force into the telematics industry. He dives into the power of data and ...

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Ursula Bryan, Chief Executive of the Institute of Asset Management (IAM), to explore how sustainability, digital innovation, and inclusive infrastructure are shaping the future of asset management globally.

Ursula shares valuable insights from the UK and beyond, covering challenges around decaying infrastructure, funding gaps, and the growing role of asset management i...