Infrastructure Matters by IPWEA

IPWEA
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Welcome to Infrastructure Matters by IPWEA, a podcast where we discuss all things infrastructure, asset management and public works. My name is David Jenkins, CEO of IPWEA and I have the very fortunate job of talking to inspiring and passionate thought leaders from around the globe. Our podcast is a chance to reflect, hopefully learn something new and get a glimpse into the great minds of our industry and their personal journeys.

  1. 8h ago

    S4E7: Elevating Fleet Management with Emad Loka

    Fleet teams are managing rapid technological change, increasingly complex vehicles and growing operational demands, all while competing for limited capital.In this episode, Emad Loka explains how fleet professionals can elevate their role, influence senior decision-makers and position fleet as a strategic value-delivery system.Emad Loka, Director Fleet at Fire and Rescue NSW, joins Infrastructure Matters host and IPWEA Chief Executive David Jenkins to explore:✅ Why fleet management is evolving into a strategic asset management discipline✅ How to communicate fleet risk and value to executives✅ Why reliable data is essential for long-term planning and resilience✅ How collaboration and professional networks improve fleet decisions✅ Where Australia sits internationally in fleet and asset management✅ How electric vehicles, automation and connected technology are changing fleet careers✅ Why future fleet leaders will need technical, commercial and communication skillsEmad oversees approximately 2,000 heavy and light vehicles supporting one of Australia’s most critical emergency services.Drawing on experience across engineering, infrastructure, transport, government and the private sector, he shares a practical perspective on why fleet can no longer be viewed simply as a collection of vehicles.Fleet supports employees, essential operations and community outcomes. To secure investment, fleet leaders must clearly explain the operational risk their assets manage, the value they deliver and the consequences of underinvestment.The conversation also looks at long-term planning during rapid technological change, including electric vehicles, alternative fuels, charging infrastructure, automation, robotics and the changing capability required across fleet workshops and leadership teams.About Emad LokaEmad Loka is Director Fleet at Fire and Rescue NSW, where he oversees approximately 2,000 heavy and light vehicles supporting frontline emergency-service operations.An engineer by profession, Emad has worked across road and transport networks, infrastructure, fleet management and both the public and private sectors. His work focuses on strategic fleet planning, asset management, operational resilience and delivering long-term value for organisations and communities.About Infrastructure MattersInfrastructure Matters is IPWEA’s podcast for public works engineers, asset management professionals and local government leaders across Australia and New Zealand.Each episode explores the engineering challenges, technological developments, sustainability breakthroughs and leadership strategies shaping infrastructure across Australasia.🔔 Follow Infrastructure Matters to stay ahead in public works, fleet management and infrastructure asset management.🔗 Connect with IPWEA🌐 Website: https://www.ipwea.org🎙️ Infrastructure Matters: https://www.ipwea.org/podcast💼 LinkedIn: https://www.ipwea.org/linkedin👥 Become an IPWEA member: https://www.ipwea.org/membership

    S4E7: Elevating Fleet Management with Emad Loka

  2. Jul 10

    S4E6: Corruption, Procurement and Public Trust with the Hon John Hatzistergos AM

    Public infrastructure must be delivered efficiently—but when procurement controls weaken, public money and public trust can be placed at risk. In this episode, the Hon John Hatzistergos AM, Chief Commissioner of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, joins host David Jenkins to explore how corruption develops, where contracting systems become vulnerable and how infrastructure professionals can protect the public interest. John also offers practical advice for professionals entering local government and public-sector infrastructure roles: remain focused on the public interest, understand your responsibilities and act when something does not look or feel right. About the Hon John Hatzistergos AM The Hon John Hatzistergos AM is Chief Commissioner of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption. His career has included service at the NSW Bar, the Australian Crime Commission and the District Court of NSW, as well as senior NSW Government portfolios including Attorney General, Justice and Regulatory Reform. About Infrastructure Matters Infrastructure Matters is IPWEA’s podcast for public works engineers, asset management professionals and local government leaders across Australia and New Zealand. Each episode explores the challenges, innovations and leadership decisions shaping infrastructure across Australasia. Follow Infrastructure Matters on Spotify to receive notifications when new episodes are released. Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are intended solely to highlight emerging issues, risks, and lessons for future learning and discussion. Any references to individuals, organisations, or matters discussed should not be interpreted as casting aspersions, making findings, or passing judgement on any person or entity.

    S4E6: Corruption, Procurement and Public Trust with the Hon John Hatzistergos AM

  3. Jun 12

    S4E5: Fleet Data Beyond GPS Tracking with Dean Calapai

    Fleet data is no longer just about GPS tracking — it can help councils improve service delivery, asset management, compliance, and public works operations. In this special fleet edition of Infrastructure Matters, recorded at the 2026 IPWEA Fleet Conference, Marc Sibbald, Director of Fleet at IPWEA, speaks with Dean Calapai, Global Managing Director and Founder of IntelliTrac, about how telematics, GIS mapping, sensors, work order systems, and AI are transforming council fleet management. Together, they explore how local governments can move beyond “dots on a map” and use fleet technology to improve waste collection, road maintenance, parks operations, street sweeping, pothole detection, safety, compliance, and community outcomes. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why fleet technology is more than GPS vehicle tracking ✅ How telematics and GIS mapping can improve council service delivery ✅ How fleet data connects vehicles, people, work orders, and assets ✅ How AI and sensors can support pothole detection and road maintenance ✅ Why fleet leaders should work across departments to solve broader organisational challenges Guest: Dean Calapai, Global Managing Director and Founder, IntelliTrac Host: Marc Sibbald, Director of Fleet, IPWEA Infrastructure Matters is IPWEA’s podcast for public works engineers, asset management professionals, fleet leaders, and local government decision-makers across Australia and New Zealand.

    S4E5: Fleet Data Beyond GPS Tracking with Dean Calapai

  4. May 7

    S4E4: Why Parks Are Essential Infrastructure with Anand Pillay, CEO of Parks and Leisure Australia

    Parks, public spaces and green infrastructure are essential infrastructure — supporting healthier communities, better asset management and more liveable cities. In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, Anand Pillay, Chief Executive Officer of Parks and Leisure Australia, joins David Jenkins, Chief Executive of IPWEA, to explore why parks and open spaces need a stronger voice in local government planning. Together, they discuss: ✅ Why parks and open spaces should be treated as essential infrastructure ✅ How green infrastructure connects to asset management, health and social outcomes ✅ Why tree canopy, accessibility, safety and activation matter in public spaces ✅ The role of local government in creating healthier, more connected communities ✅ Why informal recreation and social connection are shaping the future of public spaces ✅ Career pathways into parks, leisure, planning and recreation Anand also shares his perspective on rising infrastructure costs, urban growth, social prescription, community wellbeing, and why stronger collaboration is needed between parks professionals, engineers, planners and asset managers. BUILD YOUR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CAPABILITY 📗 Green Infrastructure Management Manual - https://www.ipwea.org/resourcesnew/bookshop/gimm 🌱 Asset Management for Green Infrastructure - https://www.ipwea.org/ipweacommunities/assetmanagement/am-green-infrastructure MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 🏞️ Parks and Leisure Australia - https://parksleisure.com.au/ 🏃 parkrun Australia - https://www.parkrun.com.au/ 🌿 Recreation Aotearoa - https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/ BE PART OF THE IPWEA COMMUNITY 🎧 Infrastructure Matters Podcast - https://www.ipwea.org/podcast 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.ipwea.org/linkedin 🤝 Become a member - https://www.ipwea.org/membership This week’s Spotify poll: What matters most in a great public space?

    S4E4: Why Parks Are Essential Infrastructure with Anand Pillay, CEO of Parks and Leisure Australia

  5. Apr 14

    S4E3: Green Infrastructure in Action with Peter Christensen & Midhun Joseph

    In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Peter Christensen and Midhun Joseph from Christchurch City Council to explore an award-winning green infrastructure project that combines flood protection, water quality improvement, ecological restoration and community value. Peter and Midhun unpack how the project was developed to respond to flood risk in southwest Christchurch while also delivering broader outcomes, including cultural recognition, biodiversity, recreation and active transport connections. They discuss the role of Māori knowledge in shaping the project, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and how the design evolved to respond to changing site conditions over time.It is a practical New Zealand case study with timely relevance ahead of the 2026 New Zealand Public Works Forum & Excellence Awards, taking place on 30 April 2026 at Pullman Auckland. The event brings together the sector around practical solutions, real-world case studies and the theme “From Capability to Community: Leading the Future of Public Works.” 🔗https://ipwea.org.nz/public-works-forum Whether you work in public works, stormwater, local government, asset management or infrastructure planning, this episode offers practical insights into delivering infrastructure that works with nature and serves communities for the long term. Te Kuru Project: https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/coast-and-plains/te-kuru

    S4E3: Green Infrastructure in Action with Peter Christensen & Midhun Joseph

  6. Mar 3

    S4E2: Unlocking Low Carbon Infrastructure with Clare Tubolets, CEO SmartCrete CRC

    Local governments have a powerful role in shaping sustainable infrastructure. In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, Clare Tubolets, CEO of SmartCrete CRC, explains how the built environment sector can reduce embodied carbon in concrete and why systemic barriers — not technology — are slowing progress. Clare shares insights from SmartCrete’s national research program and discusses how procurement frameworks, regulation and market incentives influence the adoption of low-carbon materials. For engineers, asset managers and infrastructure leaders, this episode explores how systems thinking can help unlock real progress toward net-zero infrastructure.

    S4E2: Unlocking Low Carbon Infrastructure with Clare Tubolets, CEO SmartCrete CRC

  7. Feb 3

    S4E1: How Regional Councils Build Infrastructure Capability

    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.

    S4E1: How Regional Councils Build Infrastructure Capability

  8. 12/02/2025

    S3E10: Building Capability and Embracing Change in Public Works with Megan Finnie

    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.

    S3E10: Building Capability and Embracing Change in Public Works with Megan Finnie
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About

Welcome to Infrastructure Matters by IPWEA, a podcast where we discuss all things infrastructure, asset management and public works. My name is David Jenkins, CEO of IPWEA and I have the very fortunate job of talking to inspiring and passionate thought leaders from around the globe. Our podcast is a chance to reflect, hopefully learn something new and get a glimpse into the great minds of our industry and their personal journeys.

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