Michael Sharpe’s Post

At the recent Infrastructure conference hosted by CEDA - Committee for Economic Development of Australia there was a strong focus on prioritising the understanding of localised community needs, to drive positive change and sustainable growth. Australia is transitioning infrastructure in every region and sector. Population growth, the race towards decarbonisation, climate impacts, technology and emerging social needs are driving an unprecedented boom in investment. Behind every project there is a human frontline. We bring the skills that anticipate and respond to the emotional landscape and are relied upon to navigate challenging engagements often in regional and rural areas. We understand, manage and mitigate the human frontline for infrastructure projects across multiple sectors, developing bespoke approaches and undertaking the sensitive negotiations necessary to enable construction and operations. The investment in new infrastructure for our cities and our regions is significant, and we are ready to help bring the community along. https://lnkd.in/g5rd-wEx #infrastructuredevelopment #communityengagement #positivechange

Robust and high-quality infrastructure drives economic growth, boosts productivity, improves our way of life, and underpins a country’s prosperity. New Zealand faces significant challenges in planning, funding, consenting, delivering, and maintaining infrastructure. https://lnkd.in/gDGXQMUU

In the quest for sustainable growth and prosperity, the challenge of infrastructure deficits not only stifles economic potential but also hinders the quality of life in rural communities. https://lnkd.in/eMMiayfJ

Exciting News for Sustainable Infrastructure! 🌱 On March 12, 2024, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing sustainability in transportation infrastructure. With $2 billion allocated, FHWA is paving the way for the adoption of low carbon materials that combat pollution by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 🚧 FHWA's Low Carbon Transportation Materials (LCTM) Program is leading the charge with $1.2 billion earmarked for State Departments of Transportation, including those in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Through a Request for Applications (RFA), states can access funds to spearhead projects promoting the use of low carbon materials. 🏗️ This RFA approach facilitates the swift provision of reimbursement or incentive funds, empowering states to integrate low carbon materials into construction projects immediately. The goal? To jumpstart sustainability efforts and minimize environmental impact across the nation's infrastructure. 💡 But that's not all! In the pipeline, FHWA plans to allocate $800 million to non-State entities, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, Federally recognized tribes, and more. Through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), these organizations can seize the opportunity to drive sustainability initiatives forward. WAP Sustainability can assist in helping states and their members get started on low carbon materials. Reach out to the WAP Team Josh Jacobs Amlan Mukherjee, Ph.D., P.E., William Paddock, Jamie Rantanen, Grace Sheets, to learn more. #Sustainability #Infrastructure #FHWA #LowCarbonMaterials #GreenTransportation 

A massive opportunity to *jump start Mangaungs infrastructure and project investment*, which has been lagging behind for years. If there is a will from Mangaung to make use of it. This is a chance to spend our annual grants, effectively and ensure projects are successfully completed: https://lnkd.in/diR6sGBg As of September the budgeted year to date *capital expenditure of Mangaung is sitting at R57m vs a target of R334m* . The total capital budget for the year is R1.3bn Mangaung needs help and support to spend its capital budget efficiently. --------- *Macpherson banks on ISA to turbocharge investment into infrastructure projects in SA* The government entity was established in 2020 to help with additional resources for infrastructure planning, management, and delivery. EWN - Thabiso Goba15 October 2024 | 15:15 JOHANNESBURG - Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) has established a first-of-its-kind initiative that will allow government entities to apply for project preparation support. The government entity was established in 2020 to help with additional resources for infrastructure planning, management, and delivery. At a media briefing on Tuesday, ISA revealed it has a multimillion-rand fund available to government departments that have existing projects but need extra assistance to get them off the ground. When a private company wants to build a housing project, it requires the relevant municipality to assist it with bulk infrastructure like roads, sewage, water, and electricity. If a municipality doesn't have enough money for this, ISA will come in to bridge the gap. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure - Dean Macpherson - said many projects fail "The launch of our project preparation bid window will help to turbocharge infrastructure investment in South Africa as it will ensure that more projects are shovel-ready sooner while increasing the trust the private sector has to invest in state infrastructure projects," said Macpherson. Government entities have until Tuesday the 6th of December to apply for the ISA fund.

Proud to have contributed to the Far North Queensland Infrastructure Plan, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient economy by leveraging the region's comparative advantages. Engaging directly with stakeholders was essential in shaping the strategic priorities. These priorities harness FNQ’s strengths in emerging industries while supporting traditional sectors like marine, aviation, tropical agriculture, and tourism. Key drivers of change for the next 20 years—decarbonisation, climate change adaptation, self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, national security, Indo-Pacific relationships, and health and wellbeing—will guide broader government strategic and policy directions. https://lnkd.in/gvpFXDjY

What are the key issues ahead for the built environment? As cities in the UK continue to face socio-economic, technological and environmental challenges, Alan Harbinson talks to Infrastructure Intelligence. He looks ahead to 2024 and says infrastructure and development can help. However, he stresses the need for reform, a framework for investment and greater collaboration. Find out more: https://buro.im/474l8dT #BuiltEnvironment #UrbanDevelopment #Collaboration #UKCities

"It's an exciting time to be part of this industry in South Australia... we've got an industry that is willing, ready and able to operate with the South Australian Government."    That was the resounding message out of South Australia's construction sector industry briefing late last week, opened by the Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP and Jon Whelan from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, and indicating an exciting time for all Roads Australia members involved in the state's pipeline.    SA's ambitious infrastructure agenda will see $25.4 billion allocated for projects across the state, with other key priorities, particularly operational considerations highlighted for attendees by the Department’s senior leadership – Andrew Excell, Simon Morony and Amanda Collins:   🔹 Increased Investment: The Government's commitment to infrastructure development presents exciting opportunities for Industry. 🔹 Focus on Sustainability: Decarbonisation and disaster resilience are key priorities, alongside initiatives to transition public transport to cleaner technologies. 🔹 Alliance Models: The state will look to partner with Industry on developing best-practice Alliance models, given their potential benefits to contractors and taxpayers alike.  🔹 Planning and Maintenance: Both pillars will be critical to the state’s plans in the short, medium, and long term in improving mobility across South Australia. If you missed the briefing, it is still available online: https://lnkd.in/gwfNwpqx   #SAInfrastructure #Construction #Transport #InfrastructureJobs #Sustainability

How can combined authorities and local transport authorities create the effective organisations needed to deliver local transport and infrastructure investment?   WSP in the UK Director and Change Management specialist Leanne Smith-Perrins outlines six ways to establish teams to transform mobility for local communities.   Read the full article, the latest in our series on delivering local transport infrastructure in the age of devolution.   #DrivingDevolution #togetherwecreate #wearewsp https://lnkd.in/e5Z4UDmT

Queensland's Infrastructure Vision for 2050: Building a Sustainable, Connected Future As Queensland looks toward 2050, the need for visionary infrastructure planning has never been more crucial. With rapid population growth, evolving technology, and the impacts of climate change, the Queensland Government is investing in infrastructure that will not only meet current demands but also ensure a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. Key areas of focus include: 💎 Expanding and modernizing public transport systems, including electric and autonomous vehicles, to reduce congestion and carbon emissions. 💎 Leveraging technology to create smarter, more efficient cities, with integrated systems for energy, water, and waste management. 💎 Investing in infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters and adapt to the changing climate, from flood-resistant roads to sustainable housing. 💎 Addressing the housing affordability crisis with innovative, cost-effective building methods and new urban renewal projects. By prioritizing inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, Queensland's infrastructure vision for 2050 aims to create thriving communities, connect people, and drive economic growth in a rapidly changing world. #Queensland2050 #Infrastructure #SmartCities #SustainableDevelopment #FutureReady #BuildingQueensland