2022 CCF Road Sector Breakfast

Our 2022 Road Sector Breakfast event is now SOLD OUT

With more than 19,000 kilometres of arterial roads to manage – from the major freeways and highways linking our towns and cities, to the roads that service agricultural production, freight and tourism – Regional Transport works closely with communities, industry and other parts of Government to make sure road improvements are delivered to a high standard and with minimal disruption. Our roads also support 43 million regional public transport trips per annum that rely on the regional road network to get around.

The 2022-23 State Budget is investing $101 million in regional road upgrades, which include intersection upgrades, new overtaking lanes and new roundabouts on key regional roads and highways. A further $780 million has been allocated in the 2022-23 Budget on road maintenance works across the metropolitan and regional road network.

Guest Speakers: 

Allen Garner – CEO, Major Road Projects Victoria

Allen is the inaugural CEO of Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV), which came into existence in July 2018. MRPV is responsible for delivering the States infrastructure investment in major road projects in metropolitan Melbourne and across regional Victoria.

Allen has close to 40 years of experience in the construction sector including 30 years in private enterprise, so brings to government a detailed knowledge and understanding of the construction industry. The defining characteristics of Allen’s career are innovation and collaboration. In each of his past leadership positions Allen has used his creative vision to drive successful outcomes.

As COO of the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) Allen led the development of the Program Alliance approach, challenging industry to collaborate with the State to deliver one of the most complex infrastructure projects seen in the history of the state.

Allen led pioneering work in implementing the social procurement model which creates opportunities for the purchase of goods and serviced from social benefit suppliers, to employment and training opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged people. Allen continues to apply this approach as well as making his commitments to sustainability and sustainable employment a reality with MRPV.

Paul Northey – Chief Regional Transport, Department of Transport (DoT)

As Chief Regional Transport, Paul leads the dedicated Regional Transport division of the Department of Transport, which includes regional roads, as well as the regional bus and ferry contract management division.

Regional Transport is focused on the way regional roads are planned and maintained, ensuring planning and investment is in the right areas and reflects the priorities of community, councils and industry. With more than 19,000 kilometres of arterial roads to manage – from the  major freeways and highways linking our towns and cities, to the roads that service agricultural production, freight and tourism – Regional Transport works closely with communities, industry and other parts of Government to improve how the transport network is planned and maintained.

As one of our regular speakers for this annual event, Paul will discuss the current and future road project opportunities that are part of Victoria’s record breaking level of investment over the next 2-3 years.

Paul joined the Department in September 2018 and has over 30 years experience in the government utility sector having held multiple previous senior management roles, predominantly in the areas of project and service delivery. Paul has lived and worked in regional Victoria for most of his career, including working for a number of years in the water industry.

Paul’s academic qualifications are a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), a Master of Engineering (Environmental) and a Master of Business Administration. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia and is a member of the Deakin University Engineering Advisory Board.

Dr Natalie Galea – Senior Researcher in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at University of Melbourne

Dr Natalie is a Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne. She studies human rights and gender justice in the construction sector and human rights in elite sport.

Natalie recently completed a study on the effects of a five day working week on the wellbeing of construction workers and their families. She has undertaken major industry and government funded research focused on policy, practice and gender equity in the Australian construction sector.

Prior to commencing her career in academia, Natalie worked for almost two decades as construction project manager in Australia and the Middle East. She is also an Australian Olympian.