header

Stream SPEAKERS

Geoff Wilmoth Best Paper Award

Thank you to all the incredible speakers who shared their expertise and insights at the 2024 IPWEA-QNT Annual Conference. Your contributions made this event an exceptional experience for our attendees.

We are thrilled to announce the 2024 Geoff Wilmoth Best Paper Award Winner: Kalan Shuttlewood, for his presentation Restoration of the Cape Tribulation - Bloomfield Road after TC Jasper; collaboration between Douglas Shire Council and TMR. This award is named in honour of Geoff Wilmoth, a founding member of IPWEA-QNT and a pioneer in Queensland's public works sector.

Congratulations to Kalan and a huge thank you to everyone who made this conference a success. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Day 2 - Thursday 7 November

Stream 1: Asset Management

Streamlining Efficiency: Standardized Asset Systems for Multi-Client Contracts, improving safety outcomes for the team

Claire Wells
Senior Asset Engineer, Ventia

Claire has been employed with Ventia for four years, currently as an Asset Engineer on multiple contracts including the Road Asset Management Contract, Brisbane Airport Contract, and Port of Brisbane in the South Coast Region. Prior to this role, she gained valuable experience at Gold Coast City Council as a student engineer, where she contributed to various projects in the Transport and Infrastructure Engineering Design branch, Survey services and Geotechnical Services.

Chris Wignall
Head of Sales, Asset Vision

With a passion for partnering with clients to achieve meaningful business outcomes, Chris brings over 20 year’s experience across software, digital transformation, and operations and maintenance. Currently with Asset Vision, a 100% Australian business, Chris supports clients through innovation with their leading EAM platform that all Asset Teams love to use.  Specialising in the needs of state and local government as well as the commercial sector, Chris combines industry insight and a results-driven approach to address today’s unique challenges and drive transformative change in infrastructure management.

Revolutionising asset management practices for small to medium councils.

Mr Joel Devey
Assets Manager, Proterra Group

 Joel is the Assets Manager within the Asset Management team at Proterra Group. From 10 years within the industry, he has a broad range of skills including technical writing, engineering account management, mechanical drafting, procurement, sales, and logistics.

His strengths are communicating with technical and non-technical colleagues, grasping a wide range of sales, commercial, technical, operational, and legal concepts and bringing them together to form proposals.


Mr David Mitchell
GIS Officer, Proterra Group

David is a GIS Officer within the Asset Management Team at Proterra Group.

He has experience with ArcGIS, ArcPro, QGIS and ERDAS software, as well as data analysis and modelling and Basic SQL, Javascript and Python programming.

As a Geospatial Graduate, David is experienced in the support and management of spatial datasets, digitising of new spatial data into existing spatial datasets, updating and maintenance of existing and new attribute data within spatial datasets, and asset mapping.



Mr Nick Ehrlich
Infrastructure Manager, Wagner Corporation

Nick is the Infrastructure Manager of Wagner Corporation’s infrastructure and utility service’s. His role is asset manager of all privately owned/operated high voltage electricity network, potable and non-potable water supply, wastewater treatment plant and pressure sewer network, gas and fibre/data assets at the Wellcamp Business Park.

He has over 20 years experience in civil, construction and infrastructure/asset management industries, working previously for TMR/RoadTek, Local Government and Ergon Energy.

He has recently completed IPWEA’s Asset and Infrastructure Planning Certificates as Wagner Corporation gears up to focus on improving their whole of business asset management systems and practises.

AI and Robotics in mapping your roads

Leigh Carnall
Director, Civiltech Solutions

Leading the delivery of civil infrastructure projects across Australia and overseas for over 20 years. Projects such as local and state road construction & maintenance, tailings dams, mine development, airports, disaster reconstruction, water storage dams, urban development and works for local authorities.

Throughout his career, Leigh has shown a commitment to delivering value for money and implementing successful methodologies, while rendering technical assistance to councils and mentoring future talents within the field. Regardless of the project scope, his focus remains steadfast on offering superior service, proving his dependability and strong work ethic.


Stream 2: Finance and Governance

Enhancing Timely Delivery of Civil Infrastructure Projects: A Methodology Modification Approach

Mr Ali Shadman
Principal Officer (scheduling), Ipswich City Council

Ali Shadman is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in program delivery within the capital environment. As a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ), a Chartered Professional Engineer (Mechanical), and a MSPM and PRINCE2 Practitioner, he brings a comprehensive skill set to his work.

Throughout his career, Ali has successfully navigated both the private and public sectors. His expertise spans diverse industries, including oil and gas, water and wastewater, and local government. Since 2017, he has been at the helm of the scheduling team at the Ipswich City Council, where he continues to drive excellence in project management and delivery.

Achieving collaborative practices through asset governance

Erin Goetz
Project Lead - (Asset Management), Ipswich City Council

With over 15 years local government experience and as an improvement focused project lead and asset management professional, Erin currently leads Ipswich City Council’s Effective Asset Management project. Erin’s areas of focus include infrastructure asset management, governance and change management. She is recognised within Ipswich City Council for service excellence in collaborative practices. Erin was successful in obtaining an IPWEA Future of Asset Management Scholarship for 2024.


Dr Meg Hooper
CEO and Principal Psychologist, Carousel Consulting

A registered Psychologist with a PhD in Organisational Psychology, Dr Meg Hooper has more than 20 years’ of experience consulting across private and government sectors in both internal and external consulting psychologist roles. Her areas of expertise are organisational change management at project, team and organisational levels, and building individual and team resilience and powerful cultures. Her particular focus is on building cultures of collaboration.

LGFP Guidance Paper - Accounting for Infrastructure Damaged by Significant Weather Events

Oliver Pring
General Manager Council Sustainability, Scenic Rim Regional Council

In a career in local government spanning more than 17 years, Oliver has served in senior managerial roles at Whitsunday Regional Council and Burke Shire Council. Oliver holds a Bachelor of Management degree from James Cook University and has achieved post-graduate diplomas in Project and Financial Management and is also a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) Queensland. Oliver continues his learning by studying in his spare time to attain his CPA Australia accreditation along with being part of Local Government Association of Queensland's Financial Governance & Asset Management Adisory Group.

Oliver’s role, as part of Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Executive Management Team, provides guidance in areas of financial sustainability, long-term financial forecasting, asset management, governance, rates and rates modelling, internal audit, procurement, information and technology services as well as Council’s disaster management functions.



Stream 3: Community Projects

Asset Revaluation using Benchmark Software

Michael Shellshear
Engineering Manager, Proterra Group Pty Ltd

Mick is an experienced civil engineer and project manager based in Goondiwindi.  His technical skills have been developed over many years, working across a diverse of civil engineering projects in Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

His main area of interest is water and wastewater engineering but has worked on everything from stormwater to waste facilities to levee banks and swimming pools.

Mick began his career in 2008 at the Toowoomba Regional Council, then working for the Balonne Shire Council before shifting to the private sector in 2016.  A highlight of Mick’s career was winning the IPWEAQ young engineer of the year in 2019.

Mick leads a team of engineers, technical officers, designers and field staff at Proterra Group.


Mr Dylan Sherriff
Acting Town Supervisor, Balonne Shire Council
Dylan Sherriff is the Senior Town Supervisor at Balonne Shire Council, leading the Urban Infrastructure team. Specialising in water and wastewater, Dylan has managed projects such as the Dirranbandi Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, SCADA Implementation Strategy, Shire CCTV & Sewer Relining, and the Alfred Street Non-Potable Main Upgrade. Currently studying a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland, Dylan has been applying the principles and processes learned into his daily work life.

Engagement, consultation, community relations… The shifting requirements for engaging community on infrastructure

Nathaniel Tunney
Project Manager, Articulous Communications

Nathaniel is a communications and engagement professional experienced working in both the public and private sectors. This includes a period as the engagement lead for Queensland’s engineering regulator where he led the organisation’s engagement with engineers, engineering firms and government. In the private sector he has consulted to clients in agriculture and forestry, technology, infrastructure, mining and resources. His work in stakeholder engagement has been recognised by the International Association for Public Participation. He takes a logical, and process driven approach to communications and engagement, involving stakeholders and end users to achieve real outcomes that matter to them.


Sue Monk
Group Executive, Articulous Communications

Navigating the novel design and implementation pathway of the Amity Point flow slide barrier

Ryan Dermek
Senior Coastal Engineer, Water Technology Pty Ltd

Ryan is currently a chartered Senior Coastal Engineer at Water Technology, who has over 10 years of experience in coastal engineering. Ryan’s work history is split between consulting and working in local government, having previously spent four years at Moreton Bay Regional Council. 

His previous role at Council included managing a portfolio of coastal defence assets consisting of 25km of public seawalls, while also being involved in the management of Northern Moreton Bay and Bribie Island beaches, jetties, boat ramps and outfalls.  Whilst at Water Technology, Ryan’s recent work has included completing numerous regional and local-scale coastal hazard assessments. He has also managed a full spectrum of coastal design projects, including concept designs, detailed designs and construction supervision of nature-based engineering solutions, rock and geotextile bag seawalls, groynes, breakwaters, and sand nourishment engineering solutions.  


Richard Sharp
Group Lead | Climate Risks And Approvals | Principal Planner

Richard has experience of both the UK and Australia environmental planning industry specialising in land use planning in integrated water cycle and flood risk management policy. He has delivered multi-disciplinary projects within local government and public sector aimed reducing flood risk, implementing sustainable development and land use outcomes. He has held positions in project management and strategic planning within in the water resources and flood and coastal risk management sectors in the UK and Queensland and as an urban planner in Brisbane.

As a development assessment officer, Richard has developed a working knowledge of the Queensland planning framework including the Sustainable Planning Act (2009), Planning Act 2016, State Planning Regulatory Policy and local government planning scheme codes and policies.


Stream 4: Innovation & Technology

Remote Data Acquisition: A Telehealth Analogy for Infrastructure

James O'kane
Managing Director, Arrayen

James is a co-founder of Arrayen and holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a Master's in Data Science. As the Machine Learning and GIS Lead, he brings considerable expertise in GIS software application and has developed several custom programs for creating, visualizing, and analyzing spatial data. His proficiency in programming languages like Python enables him to manage complex data sets and implement specialized analysis and Machine Learning algorithms. Prior to co-founding Arrayen, James accumulated 20 years of experience as a Civil Engineer, delivering intricate infrastructure projects, including NDRRA programs for local governments, multidisciplinary projects for the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and major utility providers.

Matthew Arnold
Director, Redfrost

Matt is a RPEQ and Chartered Professional Engineer with over 15 years of infrastructure project delivery experience. Matt has a Masters of Project Management which, together with his hands on experience, provides him with the detailed knowledge and skills to deliver complex projects. He has extensive project management experience on large projects and programs of works providing input to and management of projects during business case, design and construction phases. Matt has a strong focus on providing quality outcomes for the community while maintaining value for money for clients and ensuring stakeholders are properly consulted and engaged. He is committed to ensuring work places are safe and actively engages project team members with a focus on leaving behind a positive legacy on any project.

Keeping it Real: Using Artificial Intelligence to Deliver Practical Outcomes for Road Managers

Justin Fischer
Senior Asset Engineer, SHEPHERD

Justin is a professional engineer with over 20 years’ experience in Local Government with a focus on asset management and is the General Manager Client and Corporate at SHEPHERD. Justin is an advocate for using fit-for-purpose asset data and systems to support organisations make better decisions that improve outcomes for their communities.Justin has demonstrated that by using practical levels of data that can be readily maintained, a strategic approach to forward works planning can generate economies of scale, maximise funding opportunities, ensure alignment with the strategic goals of the organisation, and improve the sustainability of communities.

Challenges in AI and the Regional Asset Intelligence Group (RAIG)

Zachary FitzChance
Senior Engineer | Road Infrastructure Planning, City of Logan

Zachary is a registered Civil Engineer (RPEQ) with extensive experience in road design, pavements, and asset management. As a Senior Engineer in the Road Asset Management program at Logan City Council, he is passionate about the future of the industry and is particularly excited about the prospect of utilising new AI technologies to assist asset owners in decision-making.

Empowering Regional Engineers: The Cost-Saving Potential of AI in Public Works 

Jim O'Dea
Operations Manager, Proterra Group

Jim O’Dea is the Operations Manager and Director at Proterra Group. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia, a Fellow of IPWEA-QNT and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Jim runs the four divisions of Proterra Group – Engineering, Regional Projects, Asset Services and Waste Facility Management - employing more than 70 staff throughout regional and remote Queensland. Jim has a diverse background in engineering across manufacturing, rail, mining, industrial and commercial building construction and civil engineering in Australia and overseas. He currently serves on the National Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group with the Institute of Engineers Australia.


Stream 5: Procurement and Risk Management

How to extract more value from your procurements

Ren Niemann
Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright

With over 27 years of experience in helping governments with procurements and navigating difficult contracts, Ren will provide insight into how to best plan and manage your procurements to ensure the outcomes being sought are best achieved.


Tom Grogan
Associate, Norton Rose Fulbright

Tom is a projects and construction lawyer based in Brisbane.Tom has experience through the entire lifecycle of major projects, spanning from corporate matters in incorporation of the ventures, planning approvals (including experience in the development application appeal process), the development and negotiation of a range of key contracts (including bespoke and standard form contracts), project delivery, and advising on the resolution of various disputes.His experience includes assisting both private sector and varying levels of government clients across a range of key areas including infrastructure, road, rail, resources and planning. 

Avoiding Contract Administration Nightmares: Tips for a better night's sleep!

Matt Bradbury
Partner, McCullough Robertson Lawyers

Matt is an infrastructure, construction and engineering lawyer who has advised on projects in each State and territorial jurisdiction of Australia and throughout South East Asia. Matt advises on all aspects of construction, infrastructure and major engineering projects where he works side by side with his clients and their external consultants to successfully deliver their projects. He advises clients on risk mitigation and administration of contracts so as to avoid disputes. As a construction law specialist, Matt’s technical knowledge and experience has resulted in him being regularly engaged as a speaker on construction law for both client workshops and industry conferences.

Tosca Goldberg
Lawyer, McCullough Robertson Lawyers

Tosca practices in McCullough Robertson’s Construction and Infrastructure team and provides advice in relation to the resolution and avoidance of building and construction disputes. She has been involved in the conduct of disputes on a range of civil, mechanical, resources and renewables, and commercial projects. Before being admitted as a lawyer in Queensland, Tosca practiced as a civil engineer (RPEQ) with previous experience as a site and project engineer on various projects.

Creating the Safest Intersection in the World


Jason Deller
Customer Success and Senior Transport Engineer, AMAG

Jason is a highly seasoned professional with over 30 years of expertise in the realm of road safety, transport planning, and traffic engineering. With a robust background in government roles, Jason brings extensive experience in project management, policy planning, and strategic transport planning to the table. Specialising in road safety audits and safe system assessments, he has demonstrated a keen understanding of the intricacies involved in ensuring safe and efficient transportation systems. His expertise goes beyond traditional road audits, incorporating a holistic approach to road safety that aligns with the principles of the Safe System framework. Having navigated various government environments, Jason is well-versed in the nuances of policy planning, bringing a strategic perspective to transportation initiatives. His wealth of experience in project management ensures the successful execution of complex endeavors, from conception to completion. Known for his ability to balance the practicalities of engineering with the broader goals of strategic transport planning, Jason is a key player in creating sustainable and effective solutions for the evolving challenges of modern transportation. With a passion for road safety and a commitment to excellence honed over more than three decades, he is poised to make significant contributions focused on enhancing the safety and efficiency of transportation.


Stream 6: Public Works Sector Updates

Managing Emerging Risks in the Queensland Urban Water Sector

David Wiskar
Program Director, qldwater

David Wiskar is the Program Director of the QWRAP Program at qldwater. David is the inaugural Chair of the Queensland Water Directorate and a Past President of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Queensland.David has 25 years of executive experience in the Water Industry at Water Utilities and within State and Local Government organisations.  This includes five years leading Water Policy for the Queensland Government and 10 years at Wide Bay Water Corporation In Hervey Bay.

Designing and Installing Resilient and durable stormwater pipelines - it's simple when you know how.

Karen Thompson
Executive Director, Concrete Pipe Association of Australasia

As current Executive Director of the Concrete Pipe Association of Australasia, Karen represents the manufacturers of precast civil products inlcuding reinforced concrete pipeline, box culvert and associated precast in Australia and New Zealand.

Graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering (Civil)  from the University of Queensland, Karen has extensive experience in the pipe and precast industry in both Australia and overseas, including the design, supply, installation, marketing and business management of civil precast concrete and a range of pipe materials including concrete, plastic, vitrified clay and steel.. Karen chairs Australian Standards Committee WS006 Concrete Pipes, and is a member of CE-026 Precast Box Culverts.  

From Roads to the Reef: Improving Water Quality

Greg Oliver
Program Manager - Water Quality, Great Barrier Reef Foundation

Greg has a strong focus on delivering results and outcomes for improved environment and natural resource management. He has a wealth of experience as a senior manager in government, research, consulting and not-for-profit organisations. He is strengths are policy development, program design, and evaluation. He has undertaken these activities across a diversity of program areas over more than 25 years, including: Climate change adaptation programs; Sustainable catchment management; Recycled water policy and regulation; and Drinking water policy and regulation. He enjoys applying his knowledge and experience to complex problems, engaging with stakeholders and developing solutions.


Megan Forrest
Manager, Funded Projects
Local Government Association of Queensland

Megan is a dynamic leader passionate about driving positive change in communities across Queensland. As the Manager of Funded Projects, Megan oversees a diverse and knowledgeable team dedicated to delivering on-the-ground solutions to pressing community issues in partnership with local governments. Megan brings over 10 years of project management experience and supports her team in delivering projects ranging from local housing, water quality for the Great Barrier Reef, coastal hazard adaptation and domestic and family violence prevention. A key project within this portfolio is the Cleaner Road Runoff project, a key initiative as part of LGAQ’s Reef Council Rescue Plan. You can connect with Megan via LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meganjforrest


Bill Johnson
Director, Strategic Environmental and Engineering Consulting

Bill is SEEC’s Senior Civil Engineer and is an expert in Surface Water Management, Flood Assessment & Management, and Erosion and Sediment Control. With over 30 years’ experience in stormwater management, he has acquired key technical skills through the independent assessments of erosion and sediment control works for transport projects and advised mitigation measures for poorly functioning erosion and sediment control measures.


Jeff Shellberg
South Cape York Catchments

Dr. Jeff Shellberg is a fluvial geomorphologist and hydrologist with 25 years of field experience researching river and land use management issues. For the last 15 years in northern Australia, Jeff has been investigating the causes of soil and gully erosion, developing best management practices for land management on erodible soils, and implementing practical rehabilitation options. His recent work has focused on measuring water quality impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. This has included high-resolution measurement of road erosion on a variety of unsealed road types and their contribution to downstream sediment loads.


Day 3 - Friday 8 November

Stream 7: Roads

Optimisation of Road Safety Infrastructure Investment – A Network Safety Plan

Mr David Fulton
Senior Engineer - Infrastructure Planning, Bundaberg Regional Council

David is a Senior Engineer in the Infrastructure Planning team at Bundaberg Regional Council, leading the planning for transport infrastructure. David has 13 years' experience in the planning and design of civil infrastructure, working in both the private and public sectors. David is passionate about road safety and driving best practice infrastructure solutions to reduce road trauma and improve the local community of Bundaberg and its surrounding areas.

Mrs Melanie Venter
Principal Engineer, NTRO

Melanie commenced employment with NTRO in 2021. She forms part of the Safer Smarter Infrastructure business group, leading the Queensland road safety team. Melanie has both a Bachelor of Engineering Degree (Civil) and a Masters Degree in Transport Studies. She is registered as a Chartered Engineer with Engineers Australia and an RPEQ.

Melanie has led multi-disciplinary teams and is well-acquainted with all project management aspects. Her main duties at NTRO include project managing complex multi-discipline projects, client liaison, stakeholder engagement, risk management, team leadership and mentoring.

Melanie has previously worked in private, public and academic sectors. She has worked on projects for various government sectors in Australia, including Councils, State Departments of Transport, the federal government as well as private entities. She has delivered several road safety projects including Bundaberg Regional Council's Network Safety Plan project, road safety research work for TMR and currently working on automating the Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model for DTP.

AusRAP to help selected LGAs trial fit-for-purpose tools for risk-based road safety investment planning

Keith Simmons
Ausrap Program Lead, Austroads

Keith is the Program Lead for AusRAP and is based in Sydney, Australia. He has extensive experience in road, vehicle and fleet safety, including time as General Manager Safer Vehicles at the New South Wales Centre for Road Safety and running his own road safety consultancy, providing expert advice in road and fleet safety to a broad range of government agencies and multinational corporations in Australia and overseas. Keith also has extensive program management experience, including his most recent role as a Program Manager with NSW State Emergency Service.

Keith’s role as national Program Lead for AusRAP is to provide the leadership, coordination and governance activity that supports implementation of the AusRAP strategy and business plan; supporting AusRAP members, partners and stakeholders; promoting the vision of iRAP for a world free from high-risk roads and also ensuring AusRAP activity is in accordance with iRAP standards.


Alan Rushworth
Technical Lead, , AusRAP
Austroads

Alan is based in Hobart on secondment to Austroads from Tasmania’s Department of State Growth. Alan brings with him more than five years of experience in road safety policy and projects including experience in developing road safety strategies, managing infrastructure programs, and analysing road safety infrastructure risk. Alan has a professional and personal interest in data-driven sustainable transport that provides for the safe and efficient movement of people for both leisure and work.

Shooting for the Stars: Unsealed Roads Service Levels

Mr Tom Sanders
Project Manager Operations & Assets, SHEPHERD

Tom commenced his career in Local Government with Sunshine Coast Regional Council in 2008, spending time in NSW, before relocating to Mission Beach in 2019 and commencing with SHEPHERD in 2022. Throughout his professional career, Tom has built strong foundations in asset management, civil construction and local government service delivery, while developing a passion for leadership.


Stream 8: Disaster Management and Resilience

After the quake - rebuilding an entire city water network

Mark Habel
Technical Manager, Plasson

The Australian Technical Manager at Plasson. Plasson are a world leader in the design and manufacture of connections for PE pipelines used in water and waste water infrastructure. Thirteen year history with Plasson. Masters Degree in Engineering Studies (Plastics) from Auckland University.

Recovery and Resilience in Queensland

Andrew Abbott
General Manager, Operations, Queensland Reconstruction Authority

Andrew Abbott is the General Manager of Operations.

Andrew has broad ranging experience in the military and private sector in operational, strategic, corporate governance and project management roles. He has successfully led large-scale, multi-national projects and managed significant budgets including the Australian Army’s contribution to regional and domestic disaster relief efforts as well as security at Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and Papua New Guinea APEC summit, large defence acquisition projects, and a strategic transformation project at a large Defence Prime in Australia.

He is skilled in both strategy and policy and capability management and enjoys working with local councils and communities in Queensland.

Vina Varsani
General Manager, Resilience and Recovery

Ms Vina Varsani is an accomplished senior executive who has a passion for delivering positive outcomes for Queenslanders. Vina had ten years’ experience in corporate banking before transitioning into the State government sector 12 years ago. Motivated by delivering tangible and relatable outcomes, Vina thrives on seeing strategy and policy merge to create exceptional community results. 

Vina joined the QRA in October 2022 and in the role of General Manager, Resilience and Recovery. Vina oversees the Resilience and Recovery Policy and Program design unit, the Hazard and Risk unit which includes GIS, Disaster Risk Management and Flood Risk Management and the Voluntary Home Buy-Back program. Vina is passionate about developing best practice, evidence-based strategies and policies to help communities be ready, resilient and recover stronger from disaster events.

Western Downs 2021/22 Flood Damage Restoration Program: Flood Waters have Receded let the Roadworks Begin! 


Mrs Brianna Barnett
Senior Works Manager, Western Downs Regional Council

Brianna is the Senior Works Manager at Western Downs Regional Council responsible for the asset management of Council’s Transport Network and Fleet. This includes all stages of the asset lifecycle from strategic planning, construction and maintenance.

Brianna has 18years experience of civil construction experience across the private and public sector in Queensland and Western Australia. Brianna has a diverse range of civil experience completing road projects, bulk earthworks, coal and iron ore mining, oil and gas, agricultural projects and subdivisions. Brianna strives for innovative and practical solutions that with the client’s / ratepayers' objectives.

Outside of work Brianna enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, playing sport and will most likely be found at a netball or rugby carnival. She has recently completed the Three Capes Track in Tasmania and is planning to undertake the Overland Track.


Mr Scott Pomerenke
Director, Brandon & Associates

Scott is currently a Senior Civil Engineer and Director with Brandon and Associates. He has over 25 years' experience of working closely with state and local authorities including Western Downs Regional Council, the Department of Main Roads and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, working on a variety of government and private projects. Scott is a strong advocate for local solutions, with extensive experience using non-standard pavement materials. Scott’s history with rural communities is one of his biggest strengths, enabling him to create understanding relationships with local communities on projects with high community/stakeholder engagement. His results driven focus is a feature of the teams he leads.


Mr Christopher Cleary
Principal Engineer, Central Downs Civil

Chris Cleary has over 30 years of experience across the private and public sectors in Queensland and New South Wales and a couple of rewarding overseas stints. He has been involved in roads projects at all stages of the lifecycle, from planning through to construction as well as programmed and routine maintenance. Chris has extensive experience in project management, contract administration and construction management of road projects and a disconcerting interest in sprayed seal surfacing.

Chris is a Member of IPWEAQNT, IEAust and an RPEQ.

Chris established Central Downs Civil in early 2022 to provide independent, professional civil engineering services on the Darling Downs and beyond.

Outside of work, when he’s not being ignored or labelled lame by his three teenage children, he can be found on his farm or strolling golf courses in perpetual pursuit of improvement of his very poor golf skills.

Stream 9: Water

Townsville's water supply and sewerage demand rates

Darron Irwin
Principal Advisor, Local Government Infrastructure Planning and Infrastructure Charges Engineering, Assets & Infrastructure Planning, Townsville City Council

Darron is the Principal Advisor, Local Government Infrastructure Planning and Infrastructure Charges at Townsville City Council, a role which provides specialist oversight of: monitoring and forecasting growth; planning trunk infrastructure to service the growth and; working out how much it costs and how it can be funded.

This role is the latest in a series he has held at Townsville City Council since 2002, including coordination of the Strategic Infrastructure Planning Unit, and various management positions in strategic planning, land development and hydraulic services. He has also held civil engineering positions at Cairns City Council and Darwin City Council, collecting 28 years experience in local government engineering.

Darron holds a Master of Engineering (civil). He is a Chartered Professional Engineer and is a Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia.

Investigating alternative water supply options for two Regional Communities, with a novel climate change sensitivity

Joel Khouri
Principal Engineer, Engeny Australia

Joel is a Chemical and Environmental Engineer by study and an Integrated Water Planning engineer by trade. He has a passion for delivering innovative and fit-for-purpose solutions to complex problems in the water industry. At Engeny Joel has driven projects on water supply security and modelling, water and wastewater network planning and treatment, irrigation schemes for recycled water and stormwater, and environmental management.

Neels Kloppers
Manager Asset Performance and Monitoring, Gladstone Regional Council
Neels Kloppers is an Asset Planning Manager with 25 years of experience in Local Government. As Manager Asset Planning at Gladstone Regional Council, he specialises in asset lifecycle planning across all Council assets. Neels Kloppers holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban Engineering and a Certified Associate in Asset Management. Passionate about asset management and always looking to improve the way we manage assets.

Fraser Coast Water Grid - Integrating Learnings for a Wider Queensland Proposal 


Josh Lawrence
Civil Engineer, Stantec

Josh is a civil engineer in 3 years' experience in infrastructure, water and flooding engineering. He has developed his skillsets through working in both public and private sectors over a 3 year period in the UK, having graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2020. Emigrating to Australia to now work for Stantec, Josh thrives on exposing himself to new environments and challenges.

Josh's off-field passion for team sport has instilled strong organisational and communicative skillsets, developing a conscientious character. He is a keen writer, keeping friends and family in the UK updated through a blog.

Stream 10: Roads

Durack Civil: Gregors Creek Road Landslips Project for Somerset Regional Council.

Lincoln Redgen
Project Manager, Durack Civil

Lincoln has developed a career in the Civil Engineering and Construction sector with experience in a diverse range of projects and clients. Proficient in areas of Project Management, Engineering, Operations, Asset Management, developed in the early stages of his career with Shadforth. Lincoln brings his complex infrastructure experience to Durack Civil where he efficiently and safely delivers civil projects for Councils and State Authorities. Over 8 years’ experience in the civil industry working on various projects from $500K to $16.5M in value including experience in bulk earthworks, stabilisation, concrete structures, pavements, road surfacing, drainage, environmental & cultural heritage & traffic management.


Raad Jarjees
Manager Works, Somerset Regional Council

Raad is a highly qualified engineer with extensive experience in public works. He is RPEQ and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD). Raad is also a Fellow of the IPWEAQ. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Science, and a Bachelor's degree in Military Science. Raad has over 30 years of experience in the public works industry and currently serves as Works Manager at Somerset Regional Council.

Restoration of the Cape Tribulation - Bloomfield Road after TC Jasper; collaboration between Douglas Shire Council and TMR

Kalan Shuttlewood
Construction Manager, Department of Transport and Main Roads

Kalan Shuttlewood is a Construction Manager with RoadTek, a branch of Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

With over 20-years’ experience, Kalan specialises in managing the construction of roads and bridges and has delivered numerous infrastructure projects in remote and regional areas of Queensland.Kalan is well-versed in collaborative approaches to project delivery, often as an internal contractor for TMR and also by partnering with other state government departments and local government authorities.

Investigation and Development of a Contemporary Pavement Design Procedure for Rockhampton Regional Council


Grant Vaughan
Coordinator Civil Design, Rockhampton Regional Council

Grant has been working and studying in roles relevant to Civil Engineering since completing High School in 1989, accumulating over 30 years of knowledge and experience in various disciplines. He has been employed in his current role as Civil Design Coordinator at Rockhampton Regional Council since 2008.

Grant commenced his career as a Cadet Hydrographer with the Queensland Water Resources Commission in 1990, before working for 5 years in different roles as a Soiltester.

In 1996, he commenced work as a Civil Technician with engineering consultants Arup in their Brisbane office. In 1999, he commenced work as a Civil Designer with Rockhampton City Council, continuing in similar roles until appointed to a management role in November 2008.

Stream 11: Stormwater

Road runoff water quality. We’re working hard but is it working?

Katie Fletcher
Associate | Senior Stormwater Engineer, Arup

Katie is a senior civil and environmental engineer with over 20 years in stormwater management, design and leadership. As a chartered engineer (CPEng), registered professional engineer of both Queensland (RPEQ) and Victoria (RPEV), Fellow of Engineers Australia and with a Master’s degree in the field of infrastructure engineering and management, Katie is a vocal member of the stormwater engineering community, pushing for more sustainable design outcomes.

Transforming Stormwater Renewal Strategies in the City of Greater Geelong

Mark Lee
Civil Engineer, VAPAR

Mark is a civil engineer who has spent more than a decade a managing the asset lifecycle of pipes. He’s been involved in design and construction through to condition assessment and decommissioning, including all that occurs between. He made the move from a public utility to VAPAR after seeing the industry’s need for improved modern solutions to pipe condition assessment and the associated management of data. Mark is passionate about improving business efficiency and utilising data to drive smart decisions.

Leveraging CFD to Improve Pedestrian Safety at Culverts


Kyle Thomson
Senior Specialist Water Engineer, City Of Gold Coast

Kyle Thomson is a Water Engineer at City of Gold Coast with extensive experience in hydraulic, hydrologic and civil engineering. Of recent, he delivers technically complex projects with the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and automation with python.


Tuyet Pham
Senior Specialist Stormwater Engineer, City of Gold Coast

Tuyet is a skilled and qualified Hydraulic Engineer with extensive experience in flood modeling, floodplain management, river and channel engineering, stormwater management plans, and water-sensitive urban design. Her keen interest in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has led her to develop her expertise in CFD modeling, enhancing her capability to address complex hydraulic engineering challenges.

Steam 12: Environment and Sustainability

Low carbon recycled sustainable asphalt - myth or reality?

Trevor Distin
Technical and Marketing Manager, COLAS

Joined the COLAS Australia Group in 2016 as the Group Technical and Marketing Manager having held a similar role with COLAS in Southern Africa. He has over 38 years’ experience in the development, manufacture and construction of bituminous materials. Currently working as a consultant to Colas whilst still serving on the Austroads and AfPA’s technical committees for Asphalt, Binders, Surfacings and Sustainability. Holds a Masters Diploma in Civil Engineering and Bachelors Degree of Commerce.

Transitioning to Lower Temperature Asphalt (LTA) – Paving the way to Cooler Solutions

Mark Piorkowski
Executive Director | QLD/NT, Australian Flexible Pavement Association

Mark ensures the delivery and communication of AfPA’s objectives and effectively represents the interests of all members, stakeholders and government agencies through promoting the sustainable use and growth of bitumen-based products in pavement infrastructure projects, rehabilitation and maintenance within his States.

Stephen Mallows
Deputy Chief Engineer (Pavements, Materials and Geotechnical), Department of Transport and Main Roads

Bundaberg's Generational Shift in Urban Waterway Management - Our Learnings and Outcomes to Date


Timothy Fichera
Senior Engineer Program Management, Bundaberg Regional Council

Tim is Bundaberg Regional Council’s Senior Stormwater Engineer and Stormwater Infrastructure Planning Team Lead. He has nearly 20 years’ experience working in civil engineering planning and design in both private and public sectors. Tim is a Chartered RPEQ and is passionate about sustainable engineering practices that seek to provide a better future for our children. With the support and assistance of Management, Tim is leading Council’s Engineering Services shift towards nature-based infrastructure solutions. Tim has lived in Bundaberg his whole life and is bringing up a young family in the region.

                                                                                                                            

ADDRESS:
Level 1, 6 Eagleview Place
Eagle Farm QLD 4009

events@ipweaq.com

GET IN TOUCH:

© Copyright 2023 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Queensland and Northern Territory