Infrastructure Matters by IPWEA

Parks, public spaces and green infrastructure are essential infrastructure — supporting healthier communities, better asset management and more liveable cities.

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, Anand Pillay, Chief Executive Officer of Parks and Leisure Australia, joins David Jenkins, Chief Executive of IPWEA, to explore why parks and open spaces need a stronger voice in local government planning.

Together, they discuss:

✅ Why parks and open spaces should be treated as essential infrastructure
✅ How green infrastructure connects to asset management, health and social outcomes
✅ Why tree canopy, accessibility, safety and activation matter in public spaces
✅ The role of local government in creating healthier, more connected communities
✅ Why informal recreation and social connection are shaping the future of public spaces
✅ Career pathways into parks, leisure, planning and recreation

Anand also shares his perspective on rising infrastructure costs, urban growth, social prescription, community wellbeing, and why stronger collaboration is needed between parks professionals, engineers, planners and asset managers.

BUILD YOUR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CAPABILITY
📗 Green Infrastructure Management Manual - https://www.ipwea.org/resourcesnew/bookshop/gimm
🌱 Asset Management for Green Infrastructure - https://www.ipwea.org/ipweacommunities/assetmanagement/am-green-infrastructure

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
🏞️ Parks and Leisure Australia - https://parksleisure.com.au/
🏃 parkrun Australia - https://www.parkrun.com.au/
🌿 Recreation Aotearoa - https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/

BE PART OF THE IPWEA COMMUNITY
🎧 Infrastructure Matters Podcast - https://www.ipwea.org/podcast
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.ipwea.org/linkedin
🤝 Become a member - https://www.ipwea.org/membership

This week’s Spotify poll:
What matters most in a great public space?

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Peter Christensen and Midhun Joseph from Christchurch City Council to explore an award-winning green infrastructure project that combines flood protection, water quality improvement, ecological restoration and community value. Peter and Midhun unpack how the project was developed to respond to flood risk in southwest Christchurch while also delivering broader outcomes, including cultural recognition, biodiversity, recreation and active transport connections.

They discuss the role of Māori knowledge in shaping the project, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and how the design evolved to respond to changing site conditions over time.It is a practical New Zealand case study with timely relevance ahead of the 2026 New Zealand Public Works Forum & Excellence Awards, taking place on 30 April 2026 at Pullman Auckland. The event brings together the sector around practical solutions, real-world case studies and the theme “From Capability to Community: Leading the Future of Public Works.”

🔗https://ipwea.org.nz/public-works-forum

Whether you work in public works, stormwater, local government, asset management or infrastructure planning, this episode offers practical insights into delivering infrastructure that works with nature and serves communities for the long term.

Te Kuru Project: https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/coast-and-plains/te-kuru

Local governments have a powerful role in shaping sustainable infrastructure.

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, Clare Tubolets, CEO of SmartCrete CRC, explains how the built environment sector can reduce embodied carbon in concrete and why systemic barriers — not technology — are slowing progress.

Clare shares insights from SmartCrete’s national research program and discusses how procurement frameworks, regulation and market incentives influence the adoption of low-carbon materials.

For engineers, asset managers and infrastructure leaders, this episode explores how systems thinking can help unlock real progress toward net-zero infrastructure.

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, David Jenkins speaks with Blake Gordon (Brightly) and Tamara Allen-Canny (Wagtail Red) about how regional councils can build infrastructure capability amid workforce shortages, funding constraints, and rising expectations.
The discussion focuses on leadership, culture, digital tools, and practical strategies councils can apply today to close capability gaps and deliver better outcomes for their communities.

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Megan Finnie, Senior Asset Manager at Fulton Hogan and Director, IPWEA NSW & ACT. Megan brings a unique lens on the future of public works, blending academic expertise with frontline experience. We explore workforce challenges, climate pressures, and the role of storytelling, mentoring, and systems thinking in modern infrastructure planning. Megan shares honest reflections on attracting the next generation, creating safer and more inclusive workplaces, and the value of green infrastructure in community design.Whether you're a young professional or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers thoughtful strategies on capability-building, leadership pathways, and making infrastructure work for communities today and tomorrow.