Australia’s infrastructure sector is at a pivotal juncture. While there is great opportunity for implementing digital technologies, there are also a myriad of challenges that the public sectors must first overcome to set the foundation for effective digital transformation, writes Rob Malkin.

To spotlight some of the ongoing industry challenges and the innovative solutions being implemented across Australia, infrastructure experts gathered at Bentley Systems’ recent Illuminate event in Sydney.

During presentations from public sector experts, including the Department of Transport NSW and the Sydney Airport, key trends and themes emerged that cut across public sector infrastructure projects. The discussions also shed light on how public sector projects are leveraging innovative data and AI solutions to reduce resource strains and bring about greater operational efficiency.

Here are four key insights from Illuminate:

1. Digital maturity is a recognised challenge

Despite appreciating the value of data, the reality is that many public sector organisations are still dealing with legacy systems that hinder data unification and visibility, preventing organisations from fully optimising projects.

Central to the discussions of how public sector organisations are tackling today’s challenges, including labour shortages and rising costs, is the imperative for digital maturity. As more organisations move away from legacy systems, the transformation demands consistent upskilling, support, status tracking, and public and private sector collaborations. However, there is a continued commitment towards digital evolution and a recognition of the potential that technology, especially AI, offers in boosting efficiency.

2. Public sector organisations are committing to leveraging AI in innovative ways

Devon Middleditch from Transport for NSW highlighted the progressive integration of AI in transport projects, drawing a parallel with the evolution of music technology to emphasise the need for comfort with change. Just as people had to adapt to new formats such as cassettes, CDs, and digital music, organisations must become comfortable with adopting new technologies. The process involves incremental improvements (horizon 1), more significant transformational changes (horizon 2), and disruptive innovations (horizon 3).

AI plays a critical role across these horizons by providing value through proof of concepts and scalable solutions. The Innovation Hub at Macquarie, for instance, serves as a space for practical exploration and problem solving with digital tools, allowing stakeholders to engage directly with new technologies. AI-driven inspection solutions, such as robotics and drones, enable access to hard-to-reach areas, such as the Harbour Bridge, for assessing structural integrity.

Digital twins offer real-time performance data for assets, informing timely upgrades and maintenance. This approach underscores the importance of simplifying, standardising, and maturing AI applications to enhance operational efficiency and innovation in transport projects.

3. Effective communication is a key learning for public sector projects

Effective communication during infrastructure projects was essential to ensure clarity and alignment among all stakeholders, as highlighted by experts including Devon Middleditch from Transport for NSW and Chloe Williams from Aurecon. Early and precise communication helped prevent unnecessary requests and confusion, enabling tailored solutions that met actual needs. This proactive approach reduced the risk of disputes and adjustments later in the project, fostering a collaborative environment. The incorporation of real-world problems into educational programmes and industry partnerships, as discussed by Julie Jupp from the University of Technology Sydney, further underscored the importance of clear communication when training the next generation of professionals and enhancing the overall effectiveness of infrastructure projects.

4. The focus must be on the people behind it all

The infrastructure sector is undergoing a fundamental transition, requiring a concerted effort to equip teams with the skills and tools necessary to thrive in a digital-first environment. Collaboration emerges as a cornerstone of our digital journey. Partnerships between industry and academia are already yielding promising results, laying the groundwork for a workforce equipped to meet the digital challenges of tomorrow. Together, we are forging a path toward a more resilient and innovative infrastructure sector.

Real-world examples shared during Illuminate underscore the transformative potential of digital innovation. From tunnel projects to advanced modeling techniques, the possibilities are boundless. This is an exciting moment for infrastructure—one that signals a shift toward a brighter, more connected future.

*Rob Malkin is Senior Regional Director, ANZ, Bentley Systems

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