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

    11H AGO

    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?

    30 min
  2. S4E3: Green Infrastructure in Action with Peter Christensen & Midhun Joseph

    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

    27 min
  3. S4E2: Unlocking Low Carbon Infrastructure with Clare Tubolets, CEO SmartCrete CRC

    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.

    33 min
  4. S4E1: How Regional Councils Build Infrastructure Capability

    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.

    34 min
  5. S3E10: Building Capability and Embracing Change in Public Works with Megan Finnie

    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.

    24 min
  6. S3E9: Decarbonising Infrastructure with Alison Scotland, CEO of ASBEC

    11/20/2025

    S3E9: Decarbonising Infrastructure with Alison Scotland, CEO of ASBEC

    In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Alison Scotland, CEO of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC), for a compelling conversation on driving climate action through infrastructure decarbonisation.Alison unpacks the Infrastructure Net Zero initiative, a cross-sector collaboration aimed at delivering a nationally consistent approach to carbon measurement and reduction. We dive into the role of embodied carbon, the challenges of procurement reform, and how emerging policies are creating opportunities for greener, smarter decision-making.Learn how ASBEC is helping align government, industry and peak bodies to achieve systemic sustainability outcomes, highlighting the growing importance of green infrastructure, shared language, and collaborative leadership.Whether you work in local government, asset management, planning or policy, this episode offers practical tools, forward-thinking strategies, and an honest look at what it takes to build a net zero future.🔗 Resources from this episode:Infrastructure NSW Toolkit: https://bit.ly/InfraNSWToolkitNABERS Embodied Carbon: https://bit.ly/NABERSCarbonASBEC Policy Framework: https://bit.ly/ASBECEmbodiedPolicyASBEC Net Zero Definition: https://bit.ly/ASBECNetZeroDefASBEC Workforce Report: https://bit.ly/ASBECWorkforceASBEC Publications: https://bit.ly/ASBECPublicationsNational Urban Policy: https://bit.ly/NationalUrbanPolicyIPWEA GIMM Manual: https://bit.ly/GIMMIPWEA

    25 min
  7. S3E8: The Future of Public Finance and Infrastructure with Lunda Asmani & Ashay Prabhu

    11/06/2025

    S3E8: The Future of Public Finance and Infrastructure with Lunda Asmani & Ashay Prabhu

    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.

    45 min
  8. S3E7: Shaping Australia’s Standards Future with Rod Balding, CEO of Standards Australia

    10/22/2025

    S3E7: Shaping Australia’s Standards Future with Rod Balding, CEO of Standards Australia

    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.

    29 min
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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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