Date: Tuesday, 27 February 2024
Location: Online, 1:00 – 2:00pm AEDT
Organiser: Austroads
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Over the last decade there has been a trend by a number of governments to invest more heavily in transport infrastructure and systems, and to accelerate programs of work. This has been a response to various ‘burning platforms’ including transport congestion in our major urban areas, fast growing populations, extreme events like flooding, bushfires and earthquakes, and job creation to support economic growth.
While there is an extensive range of advice on project management, there is little written up on how to successfully set-up and accelerate programs of work using the best of project management and governance techniques, particularly in the context of Australian and New Zealand. The Austroads recently complete project aimed to fill this gap by highlighting key things to consider for programs generally up to $500 million from the experience of over 50 experts. A number of case studies are presented to illustrate best practice. This also includes how best practice can be amplified and a culture of continuous improvement can be best established and maintained.
Not surprisingly, the report outlines how successful delivery of accelerated programs is underpinned by sound initial planning, strong governance and leadership, role clarity and an understanding across the team of the importance of the work. Particularly in pressure situations to make ‘things happen’, these things can be forgotten about or not given enough thought and resource. The case studies demonstrate how programs can be accelerated and robust prioritisation, approval and procurement process can still be followed. It just takes a clear focus on the desired outcomes and a strong mandate.
The webinar will be presented by Duminda Wijayasinghe, David Silvester and Ray Paterson.
There will be question and answer opportunities during the session.
Duminda Wijayasinghe is an Associate Director at SYSTRA ANZ with 20-year experience in Transport industry. Recently, Duminda worked as the alliance contracts manager for the Waitemata Harbour Connections alliance, business case phase which is a key transport project in Auckland for the next decade. Duminda was the Programme Director for the Rodney Transport Infrastructure programme in Auckland Transport (AT). That position played a key part across all delivery areas within the strategic programmes portfolio to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of the AT capital programme. Before AT, Duminda held the position of Regional Programme Manager for the Auckland and Northland region in Highways and Network Operations division at the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA, Waka Kotahi). Having had multiple successes in transforming both the NZTA Transport Planning and Project Delivery teams across Auckland, Duminda has a wealth of strategic leadership skills, key relationships, and delivery track record. Duminda also brings a strong track record in creating the environment for innovation across teams and projects.
David Silvester is a Technical Director (Transport) at Beca Ltd with a 40-year background in transport sector leadership, providing high level advice spanning policy development to the practical implementation of projects, and the development and practical application of integrated transport plans and programmes. He has worked across Australia and NZ, with 6 years recently in Melbourne with Beca and the Department of Transport and Planning, and before that, 30 years with the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Throughout his career David has been responsible for compiling, prioritising and recommending various multi-year transport programmes of work ranging from $50m to $10B+ and including all modes. Many of these programmes have included accelerated timelines either to address event recovery, such as the Christchurch earthquakes, or to assist with economic recovery and stimulus. David now works for Beca in Christchurch, NZ, and is providing leadership for resilience projects and investment decision-making.
Ray Paterson is an experienced Director with a career that spans 32 years delivering transport infrastructure in Victoria (Australia) at Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) and VicRoads. Experience includes planning, design, and delivery of major road, bridge and rail projects. Appointed as a Program Director at MRPV in 2018, Ray has been responsible for leadership and management of a program of projects including the recently completed Monash Freeway Upgrade ($1.3B) in Melbourne.
No charge but registration is essential. Can’t make the live session? Register and we’ll send you a link to the recording.