Climate change is causing irreversible damage to communities, the economy and the environment, and it is imperative that strong and sustained action is taken to limit its future impacts. Extreme weather events are projected to become more frequent and intense, increasing the vulnerability of transport network assets and the communities they serve. Climate change impacts the ability of transport networks to provide lifeline infrastructure services that are crucial to the distribution and continuous flow of goods and services essential for human livelihoods, the functioning of society and economic prosperity.

The physical impacts of climate change are a common threat to Austroads transport agencies, and these will only grow in frequency and intensity as the climate changes, causing wide-spread disruption to transport network’s ability to deliver the levels of service expected.

Effective and responsible asset management is crucial for agencies to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Such practices balance performance, cost, and risk over time to ensure that transport network needs are met while maximising return on investment and providing the required levels of service.

This webinar will present the outcomes of Austroads’ recent project that developed practical guidance for asset managers to embed consideration of climate resilience into their asset management processes.

The project identified a number of key issues and developed practical recommendations for each of them covering asset management systems and processes, the asset lifecycle, criticality and vulnerability assessments, valuation of climate resilience measures and asset information management. The guidance will equip asset managers with knowledge to improve their processes and achieve their asset management objectives.

The webinar will be presented by Upeshika Heenetigala, Jesse Sounness and Qindong Li. There will be question and answer opportunities during the session.

No charge but registration is essential. Can’t make the live session? Register and we’ll send you a link to the recording.

Details About the Webinar

Tuesday, 19/11/2024 · 5:00 p.m. Sydney (GMT +11:00)
Cost: Free
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About the Speakers

1731995635-4e988ef886cc632d Jesse Sounness

Jesse Sounness is an environmental engineer with over 10 years’ experience across multiple industries including transport infrastructure, water, and oil & gas. In his current role he is focused on integrating sustainability across the asset lifecycle, developing frameworks and guidance for both public and private organisations. He has a strong background in climate change risk assessment and management, infrastructure sustainability, leveraging digitisation and new technology in the delivery.

1731995636-17dc7a1a99106364 Qindong Li

Qindong Li has over 18 years’ experience in pavement design and construction, maintenance planning, whole-of-life cycle costing analysis and performance modelling. In his current role as the Asset Management Modelling and Analytics Manager at Main Roads WA, he focuses on implementing business intelligence in road infrastructure asset management. His career goal is to develop smart solutions that provide the community a fit-for-purpose and sustainable road network.

1731995637-70ddd9b7361d0039 Upeshika Heenetigala

Upeshika Heenetigala is a Principal Consultant – Sustainability & Resilience at AECOM. She is experienced in managing the integration of climate resilience in the planning, design and delivery of major capital infrastructure projects in Australia, the UK and the Pacific Islands. As a qualified engineer and project manager, Upeshika has 10 years of experience working across all levels of organisations in the public and private sectors across industries, helping clients to improve their resilience and operational excellence.