The Major Projects Conference 2010 conference was held on Tuesday 19 October 2010 and focussed on projects that support Queensland's growth management.

More than 900 delegates from a wide variety of industry and supporting sectors attended the comprehensive one-day event hosted at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

We would like to thank all speakers, principal sponsors, sponsors and supporters, and delegates for their support towards making the 2010 conference a success.

Major Projects Map 2010

The Major Projects Map 2010 was launched at the conference and provides details for 136 Queensland projects with a value of $350 million or more which are under study, committed or under construction. Copies of the map are available for sale at the Queensland Government Bookshop.

Conference program

6:45 am

Registration opens

7.20 am

Breakfast opens

7.30 am

Auntie Carol Currie, Bungalung Mununjali elder
Wangerriburra groups of Yugambeh region of South East Queensland
Welcome to country

7.40 am

Anna Bligh MP, Premier and Minister for the Arts

Bio: Anna Bligh made history on 21 March 2009, when she became the first popularly elected female Premier in Australia. Prior to the election, she served as Queensland Premier from 13 September 2007, following the resignation of Peter Beattie.She became Deputy Premier of Queensland in July 2005 - the same month she celebrated 10 years as Member for South Brisbane. As Deputy Premier she was also Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure, running the $33 billion Queensland State Budget and leading construction of the $9 billion South-East Queensland Water Grid.

Ms Bligh was formerly Minister for Finance, State Development, Trade and Innovation. Prior to that she was Queensland's first female Education Minister, spending almost 5 years overseeing the most significant reforms to the state's education system in decades.The reforms saw the introduction of a preparatory year of schooling and requirements for all young people to be Learning or Earning. During that time she also had responsibilities for the Arts portfolio, overseeing construction of the Millennium Arts Precinct.

Following the election of the Beattie Labor Government in June 1998, her first ministerial responsibility was as Minister for Families, Youth and Community Care and Disability Services.Prior to her election, Ms Bligh worked in community organisations, in the Queensland Public Service, and in employment, training and industrial relations policy.

Queensland Government
Welcome Address - Growth Management for Queensland

8.30 am

Graeme Newton, Coordinator-General and Director-General

Bio: Mr Graeme Newton is Queensland's Coordinator-General and Director-General of the Department of Infrastructure and Planning. As Director-General, he coordinates the largest per capita infrastructure program in the nation, continues to implement significant planning and local government reforms and assists in delivering the government's growth management response led by Growth Management Queensland.

The former Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Water Infrastructure brings 17 years experience in the government and semi-government arena to his new roles - including 10 years as a senior executive in the infrastructure domain. Mr Newton has led the approval and delivery processes for several major Queensland projects across multiple infrastructure sectors, including water, energy and transport. Furthermore he is highly experienced in the delivery of pipelines, telecommunications and transmission lines.

With tertiary qualifications as a surveyor combined with Masters degree in business and project management, he has an in-depth understanding of urban and regional planning, commercial business drivers and major project delivery. Mr Newton has served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Queensland and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Department of Infrastructure and Planning
Opening Session - Looking forward. Delivering now

Major projects for Queensland's resources and mining sector

Queensland is committed to infrastructure and development that anticipates and supports growth. The resources and mining sector, including the emerging LNG industry, is expected to be worth approximately $100 billion to Queensland's economy.

8.45 am

Catherine Tanna, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Australia

Bio: Catherine Tanna was appointed in early 2009 as both Executive Vice President of BG Group and Managing Director of QGC, a BG Group business. Catherine has strategic and operational oversight of all BG Group's interests in Australia, including the development of QGC's coal seam gas resources, downstream market opportunities and the new Queensland Curtis LNG export facility near Gladstone on the coast north of Brisbane. Catherine is a member of BG Group's Executive Committee.

Prior to her appointment, Catherine was Executive Vice President for Shell's Gas & Power business in Africa. Catherine's broad experience in the sector includes a role as Executive Vice President for Shell's Gas & Power business in The Americas and as Project Manager of the Woodside operated Sunrise Gas project. Catherine was also Vice President North Asia with responsibility for the region including Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan and the Sakhalin LNG project.

A lawyer by training, Catherine grew up in Australia. After graduating from the University of Queensland she worked for law firms in Brisbane and London before joining BHP Petroleum in 1991. Catherine held commercial roles in BHP Petroleum's Australian and Europe/Russia/Africa/Middle East divisions.

Presentation abstract: Catherine will outline the Queensland Curtis LNG Project, the QGC story and opportunities this project will bring to the Queensland economy. BG Group's first investment in Australia was just over two years ago, and the company is approaching the final investment decision on its Queensland Curtis LNG Project.

BG Group
Queensland Curtis LNG project

9.05 am

Mike Wilke, Senior Project Advisor, Wandoan Coal Project

Bio: In July this year, Mike Wilke took up a strategic role with Xstrata Coal. His brief is to lead the finalisation of the Feasibility Study and to assist in the development of the people, structure and systems for the Wandoan Coal Project.

In October 2008, Mike was selected to lead what was to be one of the world's largest urban renewal and development projects by developing a 'Manhattan’ style city centre in Dubai - a US$100bn project over 10 years. The project slowed due to the GFC but Mike spent 2009 leading the restructure of the company and the commencement of two initial residential and commercial developments (around US$5bn).

Mike was President of the Americas Operating Division and subsidiary companies of Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc based in New York from 2006 to 2008. He oversaw all company strategy and operations in North, Central and South America involving transportation and other infrastructure projects with a turnover of US $1 billion and a staff of around 4500. For the previous 25 years he worked projects for the Australian subsidiary of Parsons Brinckerhoff and their predecessor companies, of which he ultimately was named Managing Director in 2004. During 2008 Mike was a Global Executive Board member of the London SE listed engineering and management advisory consultant Hyder Consulting.

Mike was awarded the 2006 Outstanding Alumnus in Engineering and the Built Environment for the Queensland University of Technology.

Presentation abstract: The Wandoan Coal Project is progressing toward establishing a new 30 million tonne per annum open-cut thermal coal mine immediately west of Wandoan in Queensland’s Surat Basin. The project and its associated rail and port infrastructure have potential to provide over 3,000 jobs throughout construction and operation over the next five years and open up the Surat Basin as the next major new export region for Queensland.

The project is being delivered by Xstrata Coal Queensland and funded through a joint venture between Xstrata Coal Queensland (75% ownership), ICRA (Itochu) Pty Ltd (12.5% ownership) and Sumisho Coal Australia (12.5% ownership).

Xstrata Coal
Delivering the Wandoan Coal Project and the Surat Basin Coal Chain

9.25 am

Brett Loney, Director

Bio: Brett Loney commenced his first assignments in environmental assessment and land rehabilitation in 1974 before commencing studies in environmental science at Murdoch University in Western Australia, which he completed in 1985. He has since undertaken post-graduate studies in environmental impact assessment and worked in government and the consulting, mining, and now oil and gas industries. His work has taken him around Australia and overseas in South East and South Asia, the Pacific and eastern Africa. His work overseas resulted in involvement in projects which involved or resulted from strategic environmental assessment of a range of development initiatives being undertaken by development banks in these developing nations. The presentation is the result of many discussions with his co-author, Claire Gronow, which has culminated in a recently published paper on the topic. It reflects on the experiences of both authors in the environmental impact arena and the place of a higher level of environmental assessment in our decision-making processes.

Presentation abstract: This paper describes how Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) allows the integration of environmental elements into strategic decision making at all stages, and tiers, of strategic intervention and development co-operation, alongside social and economic aspects. Internationally this need was recognised when developing the Millennium Development Goals, a number of which identify the need for a strategic approach to environmental sustainability. The importance of strategic frameworks and balanced decision-making as fundamental requirements for advancing sustainable development was identified in the Johannesburg Plan for Implementation agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. In this paper the authors will also present two hypothetical case studies to demonstrate how Strategic Environmental Assessment might be applied with a range of benefits. The first case study looks at how sitting and planning an industrial precinct can enhance orderly planning and development and assist appropriate industrial development. The second case study examines development of a hypothetical policy in relation to ongoing mining and related development in an notional remote area of Australia. Both case studies will examine the application of SEA in terms of methodology, achievement of outcomes and benefits for stakeholders. The two case studies will be related back to the frameworks established in international circles such as the Millennium Development Goals.

COHSE Consulting
A case for strategic environmental assessment in Queensland

9.40 am

Clive Palmer, Founder

Bio: Clive Palmer has over 25 years experience in the Australian resource industry and has had significant success with major projects. He is Chairman and Founder of Mineralogy, a private Australian Company that has successfully concluded major transactions with a number of companies including the Chinese Government-owned CITIC Pacific Limited (HK Listed), Australasian Resources Limited (ASX Listed) and a Memorandum of Understanding with Fortescue Metals Limited (ASX Listed).

Mineralogy holds one of the world's major iron ore deposits estimated to be over 160 billion tonnes in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. CITIC Pacific Limited has commenced the development of a A$4 billion project, funded by Chinese Government owned Banks, to export 24 million tonnes of iron ore annually from Western Australia. Professor Palmer is also a Director of 28 other companies and a leader in the Australian community with business affiliations throughout the world.

Waratah Coal
China First project: the largest thermal coal mine in the Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

10.00 am

Steve de Kruijff, Chief Operating Officer

Bio: Steve de Kruijff was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Xstrata Copper's North Queensland division in December 2006. Prior to this role, Steve was the General Manager of Xstrata's Mount Isa Copper Operations.

Steve's mining career spans almost four decades. He spent the early part of his career exploring north west Queensland for base metals and gold as a prospector. Over the following 10 years Steve progressed through various mine geological roles with Mount Isa Mines, landing a management role responsible for the geological development of the Hilton Mine Zinc Lead Project.

Steve was appointed Mine Manager at the Hilton Mine in 1997. Twelve months later, he was promoted to take over the running of Mount Isa Mines' largest operation - the X41 Copper Mine. Since 2002, Steve has held several general management roles including General Manager Business Services at Mount Isa Mines, General Manager McArthur River Mine and General Manager Ernest Henry Mine.

Steve is a Director of a number of Xstrata's subsidiary companies, the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and the Mining Industry Skills Centre (MISC). He is a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and was awarded the 2008 AusIMM Jim Torlach Health and Safety Award.

Presentation abstract: Xstrata Copper's Ernest Henry Mine is in the early stages of its transition from an 11Mtpa open pit mine to becoming one of the country's largest underground mines including the addition of a magnetite plant.

Xstrata Copper, North Queensland
Xstrata Copper's Ernest Henry surface to underground mining transition

10:15 am

John O'Brien, Founder

Bio: John G. O'Brien has over 30 years experience working in the electricity supply industry in north and north-western Queensland. John is a Director of industry-leading consulting firms Hill Michael and ROAM Consulting as well as the project development company CuString Pty Ltd. Over 10 years ago John began working to identify solutions to the electricity supply issues facing the North West Minerals Province. John has a unique insight into the infrastructure and electricity market challenges facing the NWMP.

Presentation abstract: CopperString is a $1.5b electricity transmission infrastructure project that will be underpinned by un-regulated capacity contracts between the private sector developers and the major miners in the NWMP. CopperString also provides a stimulus for renewable and other generation along the whole corridor from Townsville to Mt Isa.

CopperString
The CopperString project: powering Mount Isa

10.30 am

Question and answer session

10.45 am

Morning tea

Major projects for a growing Queensland

Queensland's economic growth is second only to Western Australia's. Our state is also forecast to be the nation's growth capital, accounting for more than 30 per cent of Australia's population growth between now and 2020.

Coordinated and integrated planning, development and infrastructure will provide for this growth and include major projects within the health, education, training, urban development, justice and tourism sectors.

11.15 am

Darren Crombie, A/Chief Executive Officer

Bio: Darren is Executive Director of the Infrastructure and Regional Futures Division in the Department of Infrastructure and Planning where he is responsible for oversighting a range of statewide policy initiatives including the state regionalisation strategy and the Queensland infrastructure plan. He is formerly a senior executive with the federal government and has worked as a liaison officer in the former deputy prime minister's office, represented Australia on UN and APEC bodies, and been the ACT president of his professional association.

Presentation abstract:One of the key actions to come out of the State Government's Growth Management Summit was the establishment of a new body within the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP) - Growth Management Queensland (GMQ).

The Premier has described GMQ as the State’s “growth management nerve centre” that will bring together growth program coordination, the planning policy, planning services, building and development, transit orientated development and infrastructure program management functions of DIP.

Darren Crombie will outline how GMQ will deliver on the 47 actions identified in the Government's response to the Growth Management Summit, with a particular focus on those elements that relate directly the infrastructure industry - such as the infrastructure charges taskforce, improvement of development approval processes, delivery through the Urban Land Development Authority and the new Queensland Infrastructure Plan.

Growth Management Queensland
Shaping the future: growth management in Queensland

11:30am

Michael Allsopp, Executive Project Director

Bio: Mike Allsopp is currently the Executive Director, Strategic Development for the Gold Coast Health Service District. The major part of that role is the development of the new 750 bed Gold Coast University Hospital, Robina Hospital expansion to 364 beds and establishment of the Robina Health Precinct with a total capital budget of approximately $2B.

Apart from management of the delivery of the physical facilities this role also includes facilitating the transformation of services and workforce development to enable the commissioning of those facilities for maximum community benefit.

Mike commenced with Queensland Health in 1992 and has over 30 years experience in health administration and capital works in both NSW and Queensland. His qualifications include Bachelor of Business, Master of Business Administration and Fellowship of the Australian College of Health Service Executives.

Presentation abstract: The $1.76 billion 750 bed Gold Coast University Hospital is currently the largest Hospital development in Australia. The Project is on program to be completed in late 2012. The key to the success of this project has been the effective stakeholder engagement which has facilitated a fast tracking of planning processes and managing contract negotiation.

Gold Coast University Hospital project

11:45 am

Peter Boettcher, Chief Executive Officer

Bio: Peter is charged with providing leadership and overall business management to SunWater. Peter is recognised as a leading authority on water infrastructure management in Queensland. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in senior management roles both at a strategic and operational level. Peter is experienced in all aspects of commercial water business management. He is focused on ensuring that SunWater delivers dependable and reliable infrastructure services to all its customers, whether they are local governments, commercial industries, or irrigation water users. Peter commenced his role as CEO SunWater in April 2008 having held previous positions in the organisation including Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of the Water Supply Services Division.

Presentation abstract: Bowen and Galilee Basin coal mine development, and its potential to provide a significant injection into the Queensland economy, has been a regular feature of media coverage and Government announcements for most of 2010. While the strategic nature of these Central Queensland coal mine developments is undisputed, activities that have largely flown under the media radar is the equally strategic and essential investigative work being undertaken by organisations looking to underpin and support these major regional developments once they come to fruition. SunWater, the State's leading bulk water infrastructure developer and manager, shares the same vision of coal mine developers in the Bowen and Galilee Basins, and has for some time been investigating and planning key water infrastructure developments that will ensure the success of these much-anticipated industrial projects. In line with the State Government's Regional Water Supply Strategy commitment to drought proof the resource-laden basins within Central Queensland, SunWater has successfully developed or is progressing a number of strategic water supply solutions to accommodate the burgeoning mining expansion currently being witnessed. The Connors River Dam and Pipelines Project is one part of SunWater's three-pronged strategy to deliver essential infrastructure and reliable water supplies when and where needed so industry can reach its full potential.

SunWater
Connors River Dam and Pipelines Project

12:00 pm

Phil Solomon

Bio: Phil Solomon is the Project Development Manager for GE Energy in Asia. Based in Melbourne, Phil is responsible for the identification and development support of projects by GE Energy through its Global Development and Strategic Initiative (GD&SI) business. GD&SI supports projects through the direct injection of development funding and technical support to ensure the success of the project. Prior to joining GE, Phil spent 12 years as a consulting engineer and project manager for major infrastructure developments around the globe including Europe, Asia and North America. Phil's experience spans the water and power industries.

Presentation abstract: Located near Wandoan in Queensland's Surat Basin, the Wandoan Power Project is a proposed 400 MW power station using Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) with carbon capture and storage technologies. The project would be developed by the Wandoan Power Consortium comprising global energy company, GE Energy and leading Queensland energy generator, Stanwell Corporation Limited. The Consortium is working with Xstrata as CTSCo on CO2 storage for the project and the coal supply.

Global Developments and Strategic Initiatives Leader (Asia Pacific), GE Energy
Wandoan Power Project

12:15 pm

Allan Carlsson, Project Manager

Bio: Allan's involvement in the Australian housing and land development business spans some 25 years. Allan has come to Tropical Resort Developments from Delfin Lend Lease, where he worked for 13 years in various roles including Project Director, Director of Realty Services and managing the development of Delfin's new housing products. Prior to Delfin Lend Lease Allan held management positions with major home building companies such as Bovis Homes, AV Jennings and Hooker Housing Group. Allan holds a Bachelor of Business degree in Property and Valuation and is a licensed Real Estate Agent and Member of the REIV.

Presentation abstract: The Tropical Paradise Resort is a world class theme park and entertainment led development proposal in Far North Queensland. The Tropical Paradise Resort will constitute a unique experience in Australia, developed over three Precincts anchored by a US Branded Theme Park, a Water Park and a Living Aquarium. As it currently stands, the $2-3 billion project is a fully master planned and sustainable development opportunity, to be spread over a 15 year staged roll-out. Upon completion it is estimated to provide 600 full-time and 1,200 part-time/casual jobs, and an ongoing net annual benefit of $268 million from increased tourism and film production. The Tropical Paradise Development represents a unique opportunity to significantly diversify the tourism and employment opportunities available in the region.

Tropical Resort Developments
Tropical Paradise Resort Project

12:30 pm

Peter Stanley, Project Manager

Bio: Peter is a Project Manager with the Department of Infrastructure and Planning with responsibilities for managing a wide range of research, policy and infrastructure delivery programs and projects associated with industry sectors in Queensland.

As a qualified town planner and project manager, Peter has accrued specialist planning and project management experience and knowledge over thirty years of employment in consultancy practices, and local, regional and state government in Australia and New Zealand.

Presentation abstract: This paper outlines the Aerospace Defence Support Centre - Amberley (ADSC-A) initiative and discusses infrastructure needed to secure an increase in the market share of the Defence, Aerospace and Systems markets.

And;

Jeff Bugden, Managing Director

Bio: Jeff is the Managing Director KoBold Group. He has Thirty-two years two years in Aviation with twenty five years business, engineering and maintenance management experience in a variety of positions This includes 25 years operations and technical management in the Royal Australian Air Force, establishing Ball Solutions Group in Australia in 1996 and growing it to $26m and 200 people in 6 years and establishing KoBold Group in 2003 and growing it to $18m in 2010.

Jeff established KoBold Group in January 2003 as a services company specialising in assurance, decision support, solution discovery and definition, and delivery of projects and ongoing activities to government and commercial sector client businesses reliant on systems and technology. Jeff is a Chartered Professional Engineer, a Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. He sits on the Management Board of the Ipswich Arts Foundation, and has served on the Faculty Advisory Committee for the Queensland University of Technology and as a director of the Defence Teaming Centre in South Australia.

Presentation abstract: This paper outlines the Aerospace Defence Support Centre - Amberley (ADSC-A) initiative and discusses infrastructure needed to secure an increase in the market share of the Defence, Aerospace and Systems markets.

KoBold Group
Aerospace and Defence Support Centre - Amberley: developing a high-tech hub for Queensland's growing defence and aerospace industry

12:45 pm

Question and answer session

1:00 pm

Networking lunch (including 20 minute keynote session)

Dr Greg Picker, Associate Director

Bio: Dr Greg Picker has over 12 years experience in climate change and environmental policy, including with the UNFCCC and in senior executive roles in the Federal Government, where he had extensive interaction with politicians and stakeholders. Greg was a senior negotiator for the Australian Government and has participated in numerous international negotiations. Greg is currently an Associate Director with AECOM where he works on a wide range of climate change and sustainability issues. He is also an Honorary Research Consultant at the University of Queensland, Institute for Social Science Research.

Presentation abstract: This presentation will provide a brief overview and analysis of recent developments in adaptation policy emerging out of international negotiations and domestically. It will then canvass how government agencies, financial institutions and insurance companies are elaborating policy and procedures around the climate impacts on infrastructure development. It will also examine the tools governments and other stakeholders have available to use to ensure infrastructure is able to serve the community's needs in the future. Lastly, the paper will provide a scenario of the likely pattern of development for adaptation policy on infrastructure in Australia and Queensland.

AECOM
National and state policy responses to impacts of climate change: ensuring that infrastructure is climate resilient

Moving around Queensland - major projects to move people and commodities

Ensuring Queenslanders have access to infrastructure that anticipates growth - including reliable public transport infrastructure - is something Queensland is committed to delivering. Following past trends, the number of cars in Queensland is estimated to increase by nine per cent, 70 per cent of which will be located in South East Queensland.

Whether shipping coal to the ports, transporting people around the state or travelling on public transport, major transport projects are a key component to managing Queensland's economic and population growth.

2:35 pm

David Balmer, Project Director

Bio: David Balmer is the Project Director on The Horizon Alliance, a program alliance formed by Queensland Rail for the delivery of transport infrastructure projects under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2008-2026. Horizon comprises Queensland Rail, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, GHD Pty Ltd, Kellogg Brown Root (KBR) and John Holland Pty Ltd (David's parent organisation).

David is an engineer with over 20 years of experience in the civil engineering and building sectors. He is one of John Holland's most experienced senior staff members, with proven experience in delivering exceptional projects, including a total of 49 bridges. David has led teams delivering projects under a wide variety of procurement models including Green Bridge Link, Bauhinia Regional Rail, and the Pacific Motorway Upgrade. Horizon's current project is the $800 million Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor - Stage 1.

Presentation abstract:Horizon's current project is the $800 million Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor - Stage 1. Stage 1 of the project involves:

• building a new passenger railway line from Darra to a station at Richlands
• constructing a railway station, bus interchange and park and ride facilities at Richlands, north of Progress Road
• duplicating the Centenary Highway from two to four lanes from Richlands to meet with the existing Logan Motorway interchange at Carole Park.

Horizon Alliance
Darra to Springfield Transport project

2:50 pm

Scott Stewart, Executive Manager

Bio: Scott is a member of Brisbane City Council's Executive Management Team, and Executive Manager of Council's Major Infrastructure Projects Office (MIPO) responsible for an annual budget of $500m to $1 billion. The MIPO office has been busy over the last few years delivering the $3 billion Clem Jones Tunnel, or CLEM7, in a Public Private Partnership with River City Motorway, and the recently opened Go Between Bridge. MIPO has also developed the Northern Link toll road project, which was recently put to the market for delivery. Scott has a civil engineering background, as well as project management and company director qualifications.

Presentation abstract:Brisbane City Council's TransApex scheme - a motorway standard ringroad system - is well progressed with four out of the five projects either completed or under construction. The DCMO contract for the 5km Northern Link tunnel linking the Western Freeway at Toowong with the ICB at Kelvin Grove, has recently been awarded. Key learnings from CLEM7 and Go Between Bridge will be applied to this latest project as Council embarks on the four year construction journey.

Major Infrastructure Projects Office, Brisbane City Council
Moving Brisbane Forward

3:10 pm

Luke Franzmann, Project Director

Bio: Cross River Rail's Project Director Luke Franzmann has a strong background in planning major transport infrastructure projects. With degrees in civil engineering and economics, Luke most recently held the post of General Manager (TransLink), responsible for public transport in South East Queensland during a period of massive growth. During this time, Luke oversaw the successful development and implementation of the Translink Network Plan, development of the busway network and delivery of the go card.

As Project Director, Luke is currently overseeing the detailed feasibility phase of Cross River Rail, a new proposed north-south rail line in Brisbane's inner city, including a tunnel under the Brisbane River and new underground inner city train stations.

Presentation abstract: Luke's presentation will include an overview of Cross River Rail, why it's needed, the benefits as well as an update on how planning for the largest transport project in Queensland's history is progressing.

Cross River Rail
Cross River Rail project

3:25 pm

Paul Hoffmann, Infrastructure Services Group General Manager

Bio: Paul Hoffmann is the Group General Manager for Infrastructure Services, QR National. Paul is an experienced Manager with a broad experience in all aspects of a railway. During a 25 year career he has undertaken various roles, primarily related to the construction and maintenance of railways both within Australia and overseas.

Infrastructure Services role is to provide infrastructure capital expansion and asset maintenance services for the Central Queensland Heavy Haul railway network. It also provides specialised railway product and product execution services to a range of external companies and organisations. Presently the value of the capital expansion projects is in excess of several billion dollars to meet the high demand for Queensland coal expansion. The group also provide asset maintenance of 2300 track kilometres and associated facilities.

Paul's experience includes Business Group leadership, Project Management and Asset Maintenance.

Presentation abstract: Paul Hoffmann will provide an overview of the major rail infrastructure investment program that is positioning the Queensland coal industry to meet substantial growth in market demand. In particular Paul will discuss two of QR National's major projects - the $500 million Jiilalan Rail Yard Upgrade and the $1.1 billion Goonyella to Abbot Point Expansion - and how these developments are supporting the future of Queensland's coal supply chain.

Queensland Rail National
Jilalan Rail Yard Upgrade and Goonyella to Abbot Point Expansion Project

3:45 pm

Brad Fish, Chief Executive Officer

Bio: Brad Fish is the Chief Executive Officer of North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited (NQBP) and has been the CEO of Ports Corporation of Queensland Limited since 2001.

Brad has overseen the successful development of Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal's stages 2 to 5 during the 1990's and more recently been driving the development of both the multi billion dollar expansion of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal and the Abbot Point Industrial Precinct including Multi Cargo Facility. He has been with PCQ since its inception in 1993. Prior to this he held a number of roles in the marine and port areas. Brad is also a director of Mackay Whitsunday Regional Development Corporation and Ports Australia.

Presentation abstract: The presentation will provide an outline of planning currently underway at Abbot Point which will lead to possible coal export of 300 mtpa in the next 10-15 years. It will provide details of the proposed development of the Abbot Point Multi Cargo Facility which will be one of Australia's largest single port developments of its type.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited
The Port of Abbot Point Multi Cargo Facility project

4:05 pm

Bob Atkinson, Project Manager

Bio: Bob Atkinson is a civil engineer and is currently the Project Director responsible for the delivery of the $465.8m Eastern Busway from Buranda to Main Avenue, Coorparoo. Between 1998 and 2004, he worked on the $135m Inner Northern Busway from Roma Street to Herston and from 2004 to 2008 Bob was the department's Project Manager for the delivery of the $333m Inner Northern Busway Queen Street to Upper Roma Street.

Presentation abstract: The Eastern Busway from Buranda to Capalaba is an integral part of the Queensland Government's long term plan to meet the transport needs of Brisbane's growing eastern suburbs and the Redland Shire by providing faster and more reliable public transport. It will link the University of Queensland at St Lucia via the Eleanor Schonell Bridge to Capalaba. The proposed Eastern Busway is a two lane, two-way dedicated busway approximately 20km long from Dutton Park via Buranda to Capalaba. South East Queensland (SEQ) is the fastest growing region in Australia and will undergo significant change and population growth during the next 20 years. By 2026, the region's population is expected to increase from 2.6 million to about 3.7 million. Brisbane will see the majority of this growth, with the population of Brisbane increasing from 1.55 million to more than 2 million by 2016.

Eastern Busway Delivery
Planning and delivery of the Eastern Busway from Buranda to Main Avenue, Coorparoo

4:20 pm

Question and answer session

4:35 pm

Closing remarks

Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning

Bio: Stirling Hinchliffe, the member for Stafford, was sworn in as the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning on 26 March 2009.

As Queensland’s Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe plays a key role in the Bligh Government's policy response to growth management and development.

He brings industry experience to the position, having previously worked as Manager of Policy and Research with the Property Council of Australia's Queensland branch and as a self-employed property industry analyst.

Stirling Hinchliffe has previously worked as an advisor at all three levels of Government.

First elected to the Queensland Parliament as the Labor Member for Stafford on 9 September 2006, Stirling was returned on 21 March 2009.

Having served from early in his first term as a Parliamentary Secretary, Stirling was promoted to Cabinet on 26 March 2009.

Queensland Government
Department of Infrastructure and Planning

4:40 pm

Closing networking event

6:00 pm

Conference close

Video is available of Anna Bligh MP, Premier and Minister for the Arts who gave the Welcome Address at the Major Projects Conference 2010.