By Louise Van Ristell, CEO, Infrastructure Association of Queensland
As the Infrastructure Association of Queensland celebrates 30 years of service, CEO Louise Van Ristell reflects on its role in shaping Queensland’s infrastructure landscape.
Over the decades, IAQ has championed collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development, with a vision of building a #betterforqueensland future.
Our mission remains clear: to support Queensland’s growth, resilience, and community outcomes through collaborative efforts between government, industry, and society. We are committed to ensuring that every project, whether large or small, creates lasting benefits for Queenslanders and leaves a positive legacy for future generations. By working together, we aim to address today’s challenges while anticipating the needs of tomorrow.
A 30-year journey
Marking 30 years of service, IAQ celebrates not just its longevity but its significant impact on Queensland’s infrastructure sector.
IAQ was founded by a group of industry leaders who asked, “How can we make a difference for Queensland?” At the time, there was no forum for bringing together all key players – from construction to consultancy and advisory specialists. IAQ filled that gap, offering a platform for unified voices and collaboration with government, built on the principle of cooperation rather than confrontation.
Since our establishment in 1994, IAQ has grown from a small group of forward-thinkers to a critical player in fostering collaboration between government and industry in Queensland.
Throughout the past three decades, IAQ has played a vital role in shaping infrastructure policy and ensuring projects align with our state’s strategic priorities. The association has focused on public-private collaboration, making industry expertise accessible to support government decision-making and contribute to Queensland’s long-term economic growth.
Bringing industry and government together
IAQ has recently demonstrated its leadership and advocacy through strategic initiatives, impactful publications, and meaningful engagements with government and industry.
The Association has authored its own and contributed to influential government papers and initiatives, including but not limited to the Infrastructure Productivity Roadmap, the Reducing Emissions in Infrastructure Survey, and the AI-Construction Nexus Document (in collaboration with our Catalysing Infrastructure Transformation Taskforce). All of these have shaped policy and project delivery, particularly in preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
IAQ’s Queensland Infrastructure Performance (QIP) initiative has been a standout achievement, providing essential insights into the state’s infrastructure pipeline. Our Regional Infrastructure Taskforce (RIT) has worked closely with the Queensland Government on streamlining business case policy, while IAQ expanded its influence by hosting major events in Gladstone, Mackay, and Townsville, fostering greater regional engagement.
The Games Taskforce also led a successful roundtable series, providing a high-level summary to government on how best to deliver lasting legacies from the 2032 Games. This commitment to collaboration extends to the Infrastructure Productivity Roadmap Series, which has helped improve project outcomes across Queensland.
IAQ’s voice is consistently heard in media outlets such as the Courier Mail, ABC Radio, and Infrastructure Magazine, where it has addressed critical issues like megaproject delays and sustainable infrastructure practices. The Association has championed industry interests at preliminary and post budget discussions and has been present at state and council budget media lockouts as investment has been unveiled.
The past few years have reinforced IAQ’s pivotal role in driving Queensland’s infrastructure sector forward, laying a strong foundation for future opportunities in regional growth, sustainable progress, and the legacy of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Opportunities
As we look to the future, IAQ recognises several key areas of opportunity for Queensland’s infrastructure sector.
Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
IAQ is proud to launch the Diversity in Infrastructure Leadership Network, an initiative aimed at fostering diverse leadership across Queensland’s infrastructure industry. This network creates opportunities for mentoring, professional development, and networking for underrepresented groups, including women and minorities. By building a pipeline of diverse leaders, we are committed to ensuring Queensland’s infrastructure sector reflects the diverse communities it serves and promotes inclusive growth across the state.
Rolling out the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
As we prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, IAQ is focused on ensuring that the infrastructure developed leaves a lasting, positive legacy for Queensland.
The Games represent more than a sporting event; they provide a unique opportunity to build infrastructure that will serve Queenslanders for decades to come. From sustainable urban development to innovative transport solutions, IAQ is working to ensure that the infrastructure delivers long-term benefits, such as improved connectivity, enhanced public spaces, and energy-efficient systems that align with Queensland’s decarbonisation goals.
The legacy of the 2032 Games will be crucial for setting a foundation for Queensland’s future economic and social development. IAQ is dedicated to ensuring that this legacy supports growth in a way that strengthens communities and enhances liveability across the state.
Progressing towards net zero
Sustainability remains central to IAQ’s vision for Queensland’s infrastructure future. As the state transitions towards net-zero emissions, the need for innovative green infrastructure projects is greater than ever. IAQ is working with the Queensland Government and industry stakeholders to ensure that infrastructure investments support climate goals, reduce emissions, and create long-term, sustainable economic growth through green technologies and practices. This effort includes renewable energy projects, sustainable urban planning, and transport systems designed to minimise environmental impact while driving Queensland’s economy forward.
Challenges to navigate
Maintaining a collaborative mindset
Maintaining and enhancing the strong collaboration between industry and government will be more important than ever as we approach an unprecedented period of infrastructure delivery, particularly with the demands of the 2032 Olympic Games. The industry will face significant pressure, but by working closely together, we can ensure that projects are delivered smoothly and continue to drive long-term growth and innovation. Strengthening these partnerships will be key to overcoming challenges and ensuring that Queensland’s infrastructure supports the state’s future success well beyond 2032.
Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions
Global geopolitical tensions pose significant risks to supply chains, which could delay key infrastructure projects. These disruptions affect the availability of materials and the workforce, pushing up costs and causing unforeseen project delays. The COVID-19 pandemic has already shown how unexpected global events can upend even the most carefully planned infrastructure pipelines. The pandemic was a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change, affecting everything from budgets to labour markets and project timelines. As Queensland’s infrastructure sector continues to recover, IAQ is focused on ensuring that lessons from the pandemic are incorporated into future planning. From enhancing digital collaboration tools to building more adaptable and resilient supply chains, we must prepare for unforeseen challenges that look like they will increase in frequency as we approach a new political frontier.
A changing climate
Queensland’s infrastructure sector is facing increasing challenges driven by the changing climate, including more frequent and severe weather events, and rising sea levels. Over the past decade, Australia saw a 54 per cent rise in climate-related insurance claims, with Queensland particularly impacted by floods and cyclones. By 2050, extreme heat days in southeast Queensland are expected to triple, straining energy and water systems. Rising sea levels also pose a significant threat to coastal communities and infrastructure, particularly in the state’s low-lying regions. These challenges require a shift toward more climate-resilient infrastructure and stronger collaboration between industry and government to ensure long-term sustainability and adaptability.
As Queensland’s infrastructure sector looks to the future, IAQ remains focused on leading the way through opportunities and challenges alike. By driving sustainable growth, fostering regional development, and ensuring the 2032 Games leave a legacy, IAQ is building the foundations for an infrastructure system that meets Queensland’s needs today and well into the future. In collaboration with government and industry, IAQ will continue to shape a resilient, innovative, and inclusive infrastructure future for all Queenslanders.
