Infrastructure Matters by IPWEA

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 their communities.

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 reflections on attracting the next generation, creating safer and more inclusive workplaces, and the value of green infrastructure in community design.Whether you're a young professional or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers thoughtful strategies on capability-building, leadership pathways, and making infrastructure work for communities today and tomorrow.

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 finance professionals, and the critical importance of long-term capital planning. From municipal bonds to resource shortages, this episode bridges global lessons from Australia, Canada, and the U.S., uncovering how collaboration between engineers and finance leaders is transforming communities. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on funding mechanisms, ESG standards, AI in public finance, and the next generation of infrastructure professionals.

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 quality to infant safety. He shares insights on the challenges of attracting new generations of contributors, the vital role of storytelling in communicating standards, and how AI is being used to transform the standards development process.The conversation also touches on the recent renewal of Australia-New Zealand cooperation on joint standards, the future of accessibility and affordability in standards publishing, and the organisation’s push to make standards more user-friendly through digital innovation.Whether you’re an engineer, policymaker, or infrastructure leader, this episode offers a fascinating look into how standards drive safety, productivity, and innovation across every sector.

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 strengthening governance, to accelerating project delivery, reforming the Expanded Public Works Program, and embracing digital procurement. Minister Macpherson highlights the importance of maintenance alongside new builds, the role of partnerships with local government, and why people and skills development must remain at the center of infrastructure policy.He also opens up about tackling construction-related crime, balancing sustainability with affordability, and building a department that can deliver progress visibly and tangibly.Whether you’re in government, infrastructure, or the asset management profession, this conversation offers valuable insights into how bold reform, transparency, and collaboration can reshape a nation’s future.

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 infrastructure plan.

From tackling consenting bottlenecks to introducing distance-based road user pricing, Bishop discusses the bold reforms needed to lift productivity, deliver affordable housing, and build resilience against future challenges. He also reflects on the importance of bipartisan consensus, learning from global best practice, and strengthening leadership capacity in asset management.

Whether you’re in local government, policy, or infrastructure delivery, this conversation provides valuable insights into how New Zealand is working to transform its infrastructure system for the future.

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 must do to remain competitive in a global talent market. He unpacks challenges in the construction and infrastructure sectors, highlights the need for long-term thinking, and explores how micro-credentials, better training pathways, and smarter regulation can help solve Australia’s skills shortage.

Whether you're a policymaker, planner, engineer, or local government professional, this episode is full of thought-provoking ideas and real-world solutions for building a more productive and equitable future.