Infrastructure Matters by IPWEA

IPWEA
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  • NON-PROFIT
  • EVERY TWO MONTHS

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

    02/12/2025

    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
  2. S3E9: Decarbonising Infrastructure with Alison Scotland, CEO of ASBEC

    20/11/2025

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

    06/11/2025

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

    22/10/2025

    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
  5. S3E6: Planning Sustainable Infrastructure with Geoff Cooper, CEO of the NZ Infrastructure Commission

    07/10/2025

    S3E6: Planning Sustainable Infrastructure with Geoff Cooper, CEO of the NZ Infrastructure Commission

    In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Geoff Cooper, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, to explore how long-term planning, affordability, and asset management are shaping the country’s infrastructure future.Geoff breaks down New Zealand’s new National Infrastructure Plan, highlighting the importance of balancing new projects with maintaining existing assets. He discusses the funding challenges facing local and central governments, the risks of sprawling urban growth, and the need for smarter revenue models that truly support sustainable cities.We also dive into the role of systems thinking in tackling climate change, housing affordability, and demographic pressures—and why breaking down silos across sectors is critical for better outcomes. Geoff shares how the Infrastructure Commission is evolving, building capability across thousands of small projects while ensuring whole-of-life costs are embedded into decision-making.Whether you’re in government, utilities, planning, or asset management, this episode offers practical insights and forward-looking strategies to create infrastructure systems that serve future generations.

    30 min
  6. S2E5: Building South Africa’s Future - Infrastructure Reform with Minister Dean Macpherson

    26/09/2025

    S2E5: Building South Africa’s Future - Infrastructure Reform with Minister Dean Macpherson

    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.

    37 min
  7. S3E4: Shaping New Zealand’s Infrastructure Future with Minister Chris Bishop

    11/09/2025

    S3E4: Shaping New Zealand’s Infrastructure Future with Minister Chris Bishop

    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.

    32 min
  8. S3E3: Boosting Productivity and Building Capacity with Peter Achterstraat, NSW Productivity and Equality Commissioner

    18/08/2025

    S3E3: Boosting Productivity and Building Capacity with Peter Achterstraat, NSW Productivity and Equality Commissioner

    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.

    35 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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