What will it take to accelerate demand for low-carbon technologies and create infrastructure that works with nature, rather than against it?  

In this episode of Infrastructure Connections, we speak with Monica Richter, Senior Manager of Low Carbon Futures at WWF-Australia and Project Director of the Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders Alliance (MECLA).  

Monica explores the intersection of decarbonisation, nature-positive development and the built environment, sharing insights into low-carbon materials, sustainable procurement, supply-chain collaboration and the need to understand the embodied nature impacts of the materials we use.  

We also discuss WWF-Australia’s work on nature-positive investment and housing and infrastructure development, and what Australia can learn from global markets moving rapidly towards cleaner and more sustainable technologies.  

From government policy to industry collaboration, Monica explains how infrastructure professionals can help create demand for better solutions - and why persistence, education and asking the right questions can be powerful drivers of change.  

👉 We'd love to hear your feedback, share your questions or comments below.    

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Website: ⁠https://www.iscouncil.org/⁠    

LinkedIn:   / infrastructure-sustainability-council

#InfrastructureConnections #Infrastructure #NetZero #Decarbonisation #NaturePositive #LowCarbonMaterials #BuiltEnvironment

S4E11- From Low Carbon to Nature Positive: Rethinking Infrastructure w/ Monica Richter

How can sustainability become simply part of good engineering?  In this episode of Infrastructure Connections, Evelyn Storey, Director of Eminence and Sustainability at Aurecon, reflects on more than 35 years in engineering and how sustainability has evolved from a specialist discipline into an essential part of project delivery.  

Evelyn explores why sustainability needs to be embedded across engineering practice, the growing focus on resilience and climate adaptation, and how engineers can make better long-term decisions about materials, asset life and infrastructure performance. She also shares her perspective on extending existing assets, the rise of mass timber, and the role of continuous learning in a rapidly changing industry.  

Her central message is simple: sustainability is good engineering.  

👉 We'd love to hear your feedback, share your questions or comments below.    

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👉 Keep up to date with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council:    

Website: ⁠https://www.iscouncil.org/⁠    

LinkedIn:   / infrastructure-sustainability-council

S4E10 - Sustainability is Good Engineering w/ Evelyn Storey

In this episode of Infrastructure Connections, we speak with the Hon. Matt Kean, Chair of the Australian Climate Change Authority and former NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister, about Australia’s path to net zero and the critical role infrastructure will play in shaping our future.  

Matt explores Australia’s progress in renewable energy, the impact of NSW’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, and how Renewable Energy Zones are driving investment, jobs and regional economic growth. He also discusses the growing importance of building climate resilience into infrastructure and why acting now can be far more cost-effective than responding to climate impacts later.  

Moving beyond the politics of climate change, Matt makes the case for treating climate action as an economic and risk-management challenge—one that presents opportunities for productivity, competitiveness, investment and long-term value creation.  

The conversation also explores what governments and industry need to do to turn climate ambition into practical action, and the role organisations like the Infrastructure Sustainability Council can play in accelerating this transition.  

👉 We'd love to hear your feedback, share your questions or comments below.    

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👉 Keep up to date with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council:    

Website: ⁠https://www.iscouncil.org/⁠    

LinkedIn:   / infrastructure-sustainability-council

S4E9 - Building Australia’s Net Zero Future: Infrastructure and the Energy Transition w/ Matt Kean

Modern slavery isn’t just a global issue—it’s happening in our own communities and supply chains.  

In this episode of Infrastructure Connections, Cam Bower, Managing Director of AME Investigations and former police detective, about the hidden reality of modern slavery across Australia and New Zealand.  

The conversation explores how exploitation can occur in industries including construction, infrastructure, hospitality and agriculture, why migrant workers are particularly vulnerable, and the warning signs organisations should never ignore. We also examine the role of ethical procurement, supply chain due diligence and stronger accountability in preventing exploitation.  

Whether you’re a business leader, procurement professional or simply interested in creating more responsible supply chains, this episode offers practical insights into recognising risk, protecting vulnerable workers and building a more ethical future.  

“You shouldn’t need legislation to decide whether you’re going to be a good citizen.” – Cam Bower  👉 We'd love to hear your feedback, share your questions or comments below.    

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Website: ⁠https://www.iscouncil.org/⁠    

LinkedIn:   / infrastructure-sustainability-council         ⁠ 

#podcast ⁠ ⁠#infrastructure⁠ ⁠#sustainability⁠ ⁠#buildingtomorrow⁠ #modernslavery #humanrights #ethicalsupplychains

S4E8 - Beyond Compliance: Addressing Modern Slavery w/ Cam Bower

In this episode of Infrastructure Connections, we speak with Graeme Newton, CEO of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority.  

Graeme shares how sustainability was embedded into the Cross River Rail project from the start — through procurement, leadership, innovation, and long-term design thinking.  

The conversation explores how the project delivered sustainability outcomes through initiatives such as recycled materials, resource efficiency, community engagement, accessibility, and independent IS Rating validation.  

Graeme also discusses the challenges of delivering a major infrastructure project through uncertainty and how sustainable thinking can create environmental, social, and economic benefits for the future.  

👉 We'd love to hear your feedback, share your questions or comments below.   

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Website: ⁠https://www.iscouncil.org/⁠    

LinkedIn:   / infrastructure-sustainability-council         ⁠ 

#podcast ⁠ ⁠#infrastructure⁠ ⁠#sustainability⁠ ⁠#buildingtomorrow⁠ #leadership #innovation

S4E7 - Sustainability by Design: Lessons from Cross River Rail w/  Graeme Newton

What keeps people motivated when progress is slow, outcomes are uncertain, and challenges keep evolving?  

In this episode, Richard Boele, Chief Purpose Officer at KPMG, explores the powerful role of purpose in sustaining energy, resilience, and long-term commitment to change. He explains the difference between purpose—your unique contribution and who you can’t help being—and impact, the outcomes you’re striving to achieve.  

The conversation explores how reconnecting with personal purpose can help individuals stay motivated through uncertainty, while aligning personal, team and organisational purpose can unlock collaboration, engagement and a greater sense of meaning at work.  

Whether you work in sustainability, leadership, organisational change, or simply want to find greater meaning in your work, this episode offers valuable insights into how purpose can help people navigate complexity, maintain momentum, and drive lasting impact.  

👉 We'd love to hear your feedback, share your questions or comments below.    

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Website: ⁠https://www.iscouncil.org/⁠    

LinkedIn:   / infrastructure-sustainability-council         ⁠ 

#podcast ⁠ ⁠#infrastructure⁠ ⁠#sustainability⁠ ⁠#buildingtomorrow⁠ #purpose #leadership #resilience #meaningfulwork #whatispurpose

S4E6 - The Power of Purpose w/ Richard Boele

How do great leaders show care, encourage teams struggling through tough times, and boost performance? 

We invited Graeme Cowan to speak at our IS Connect 26 Brisbane Leadership Breakfast. Graeme is the Founding Director of R U OK? and host of The Caring CEO podcast. He is also the author of the book Great Leaders Care. 

Graeme shared his knowledge gained from 20 years helping leaders build resilient teams where care and high performance thrive together.

He shared the Great Leaders Care mindset: "Self-care isn't selfish, it's the foundation. Fill your own tank first, and you become far better at spotting and supporting the people around you who are struggling. Crew care is about building psychologically safe and resilient teams. And red zone care is having the confidence to identify and support someone who is struggling."

"Construction carries some of the highest rates of psychological injury and suicide in Australia. Not soft care. Strong care."

👉 We'd love to hear your feedback, share your questions or comments below.   

👉 Like & Subscribe so you won't miss out on our upcoming episodes!   

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Website: ⁠https://www.iscouncil.org/⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0VUSnJNVXFSSnBfS1VzamQ1NXphb1RhY3pwQXxBQ3Jtc0trNVZ0TFpBbG9wR0FPU1ZGM1lGb0Q4bldZOHVKTWFJanFxd1ZTUFU3bFVoYkdZSkUyTHhhUEE5N2pydXpwYTRTS2pvQW1YcUhObGxWMHRVMFRxM0g4eHBock1HUFQzQmEzbXJDWHc1LWhzOFdpZGhVSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iscouncil.org%2F%E2%81%A0&v=NesiCHpVBnM]   

LinkedIn:   / infrastructure-sustainability-council        ⁠

#podcast⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast]  ⁠#infrastructure⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/infrastructure] ⁠#sustainability⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sustainability] ⁠#buildingtomorrow⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/buildingtomorrow] #sustainableprocurement [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sustainableprocurement] #procurement [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/procurement] #sustainableinfrastructure [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sustainableinfrastructure]

S4E5 - Great Leaders Care w/ Graeme Cowan

How can procurement move beyond cost-cutting to become a catalyst for better infrastructure outcomes?  

In this episode, we’re joined by Richard Martin, Executive Director at ConnellGriffin, to explore the growing role of sustainable procurement in shaping the future of infrastructure delivery.  

The conversation examines why sustainability is often introduced too late in the procurement process, and how earlier integration during planning and decision-making can unlock stronger environmental, social and long-term economic outcomes. Richard also discusses the importance of aligning policy, procurement and project delivery, adopting a whole-of-life (TOTEX) approach to value, and using procurement as a system-level lever for decarbonisation and innovation.  

From government ambition to industry implementation, this episode highlights the challenges, opportunities and practical shifts needed to rethink how infrastructure is planned, sourced and managed across its full lifecycle.  

👉 We'd love to hear your feedback, share your questions or comments below.   

👉 Like & Subscribe so you won't miss out on our upcoming episodes!   

👉 Keep up to date with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council:   

Website: ⁠https://www.iscouncil.org/⁠   

LinkedIn:   / infrastructure-sustainability-council        

⁠#podcast⁠  ⁠#infrastructure⁠ ⁠#sustainability⁠ ⁠#buildingtomorrow⁠ #sustainableprocurement #procurement #sustainableinfrastructure

S4E4 - Beyond Cost: The Future of Sustainable Procurement w/ Richard Martin

How do you move sustainability from a standalone function to something embedded across an entire business?  

In this episode of Infrastructure Connections, we explore how sustainability is being integrated into infrastructure delivery at every level—from strategy and governance to operations, technology and culture. 

The conversation examines the growing shift from compliance-driven sustainability to long-term value creation, and what that looks like in practice across large-scale infrastructure and asset management.  

Joining the discussion is Alexandra Monson, Group Manager - Sustainability at Ventia as she shares how Ventia is embedding sustainability into decision-making through climate transition planning, integrated reporting and science-based emissions targets. 

The episode also explores the role of innovation and emerging technologies—including AI-enabled asset management, fleet transition and data-driven planning—in improving resilience, reducing risk and delivering more proactive infrastructure outcomes.   

This episode unpacks:  

 * Embedding sustainability into business strategy and operations  
 * Decarbonisation and climate transition planning in practice  
 * How AI and data are reshaping asset management  
 * Building capability and resilience across supply chains  
 * Why sustainability is everyone’s responsibility—not just one team’s  

As infrastructure owners and operators face increasing environmental and operational pressures, this conversation explores what it takes to create systems that are more resilient, efficient, and future-focused.   

👉 We'd love to hear your feedback, share your questions or comments below.   

👉 Like & Subscribe so you won't miss out on our upcoming episodes!   

👉 Keep up to date with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council:   

Website: ⁠⁠https://www.iscouncil.org/⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1czcG45dFNlRGZMeks4UHctU3lweU1MN0ZUQXxBQ3Jtc0tuTFlTRmdFczFSb29XSG95OWRIX0hnWkRaVjdTeDNIbGNyNTEyZG51VlcxZFdOTldLc1dBckRYWktUeUwwb2N2cTF4a09VM1RaVEJNb29QX0JsVndTeVVnSVBDUVlXemFaSGlOR3FwY0tsdnNtUng2OA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iscouncil.org%2F%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=8XPe_UxfMMQ]   

LinkedIn:   / infrastructure-sustainability-council        

#sustainability [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sustainability] #infrastructure [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/infrastructure] #infrastructureconnections [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/infrastructureconnections]

 S4E3 - Sustainability isn't a department anymore w/ Alexandra Monson

As climate pressures intensify, the way we define infrastructure is being challenged. Increasingly, attention is turning to the role of natural systems—from wetlands and forests to rivers and marine environments—as essential components of resilient infrastructure. 

In this episode of Infrastructure Connections, David Carter, Executive Chair at Beca and Guardian of the Aotearoa Circle, shares insights from New Zealand’s Natural Infrastructure Plan and the growing movement to integrate nature into infrastructure planning from the outset. 

Drawing on practical examples, the conversation explores how nature-based approaches can complement engineered systems, deliver long-term economic value, and support the regeneration of ecosystems. Rather than focusing solely on conservation, this episode examines a broader shift toward regeneration—and what it means for communities, economies, and the future of infrastructure.

👉 We'd love to hear your feedback, share your questions or comments below. 

👉 Like & Subscribe so you won't miss out on our upcoming episodes! 

👉 Keep up to date with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council: 

Website: ⁠https://www.iscouncil.org/⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEVuVTVlQTdWZEFjYjN5UlBsb0pXMDdSMTlzd3xBQ3Jtc0tuczJoWlFnUWV6T2RzV2s0alNxZERqcTVaaEF6SHJZcmNqbkRZSDJ3SFJQQVRjWFdxcHEydGNyVlRNMmJ3NWZQUXlHQXhpWUVZMnZab3U1bDZfVXFybEJlNkRzRHh2WWg0M2d4bzNHMTktcFZIRnQtTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iscouncil.org%2F&v=DhhiZSNCsYo]

LinkedIn:   / infrastructure-sustainability-council      

⁠#podcast⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast] ⁠#infrastructure⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/infrastructure] ⁠#sustainability⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sustainability] ⁠#buildingtomorrow⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/buildingtomorrow] #natureininfrastructure #greeninfrastructure #naturebasedsolutions #sustainableinfrastructure

S4E2 - From Grey to Green: Rethinking Infrastructure w/ David Carter

A knowledge sharing podcast brought to you by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council. 

Follow and join us on our next episodes!



A knowledge-sharing podcast brought to you by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council.
Follow and join us on our next episodes!