Transforming our Transport Infrastructure, Networks and Systems to Create More Climate Resilient Communities
Session Outline
- Session Moderator - April McCabe, Social Strategy and Engagement | The Planning Studio
- Mr Chris Streel MLA, Minister for Transport and City Services, ACT
- Peter Colacino, Chief Policy & Research, Infrastructure Australia
- Kirsty Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, AITPM & Director, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
Session Moderator - April McCabe, Director, Social Strategy and Engagement | The Planning Studio
April McCabe
Social Strategy and Engagement | The Planning Studio
April is an experienced urban strategist + social planner with over 20 years experience in Australia, the UK and Ireland for government + private sector. Prior to The Planning Studio, April held senior roles within local government, the private sector and was the Principal Policy Advisor to the Lord Mayor of Sydney, leading a team responsible for advice across the City's broad policy + operational responsibilities as well as advising on a diverse individual portfolio.
April offers an exceptional understanding and strategic approach to the complex social, political, cultural and spatial context of cities. She is able to connect the dots between people, places and policy as the foundation of generous, sustainable, and equitable places. April understands the power of storytelling and experiences as a way to shape cities that can be the physical embodiment of those intangible but critical aspects of community and humanity - how we connect, what we value, who is welcome and how we can each have a voice about the future.
April is also a strong advocate for understanding cities through a gender lens and how this influences the experience within places. She is also a leading voice on gender equity within the planning profession and co-authored the first PIA National Gender Equity Policy in 2021.
Mr Chris Streel MLA, Minister for Transport and City Services, ACT
Mr Chris Streel MLA
Minister for Transport and City Services, ACT
Chris Steel is a Member for Murrumbidgee in the ACT Legislative Assembly. He was elected to the Assembly in October 2016.
In August 2018 Chris became a member of Cabinet in the ACT Government. He is currently responsible for the following portfolios:
- Minister for Transport and City Services
- Minister for Skills
- Special Minister of State
Prior to entering politics, Chris was an education advocate, at peak body Early Childhood Australia and has previously worked in both the Australian Government and ACT Government focusing on a range of social policy areas.
He has worked extensively in the area of early childhood reform including the introduction of the National Quality Agenda, and universal access to early childhood education.
Chris has completed undergraduate degrees in Law and Arts (majoring in Political Science) at the Australian National University (ANU).
Peter Colacino, Chief Policy & Research, Infrastructure Australia
Peter Colacino
Chief Policy & Research, Infrastructure Australia
Peter Colacino is one of the leading voices in Australian infrastructure. He is responsible for driving Infrastructure Australia’s transformative policy and research agenda across sustainability, resilience, place-making, industry productivity and infrastructure planning.
An accomplished leader with experience in strategy, policy and corporate affairs. Peter has held senior roles across politics, industry and government, including within some the world’s largest infrastructure operators – Keolis Downer and Transurban.
As Chief of Policy & Research at Infrastructure Australia, Peter led delivery of the landmark 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan, 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit and the inaugural Market Capacity Program. Prior to that he was Executive General Manager of Growth and Partnerships at the NRMA.
Kirsty Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, AITPM & Director, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
Kirsty Kelly
Chief Executive Officer, Australian Institute Traffic Planning and Management
Board Director, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
Kirsty is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute Traffic Planning and Management and is an experienced leader in the built environment sector, having previously served as CEO of the Planning Institute of Australia and the Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia and New Zealand. Starting her career as an urban and regional planner, she has worked as a planner in local, state and territory government, the private sector, academia, and non-profit associations. During her career, she has collaborated with leaders, governments, industry, and professionals across the country to bring about positive change and transformation in the built environment to benefit communities. She has a strong focus on the integration of transport and land use planning and active travel.
Kirsty is also an experienced Director, currently serving on the Board of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and with previous roles on boards including the Australasian Society of Association Executives and the Planning Institute of Australia. Kirsty was elevated to Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia in 2017.