Western Sydney construction industry challenged to modernise or die

Photo supplied by David Chandler

Western Sydney’s construction industry will be challenged to reconsider its future, at a conference co-hosted by Western Sydney University’s Centre for Smart Modern Construction (c4SMC) and Australia’s leading industry voice on construction transformation PrefabAUS.

The conference – Construction Opportunities in Western Sydney: Modernise or Die – will bring together NSW's major construction agencies, policy makers, academics and industry and feature a keynote by internationally renowned thought leader on the future of construction, Mark Farmer.

The one-day event will, according to Director of c4SMC Professor Srinath Perera, set the tone for many conversations the industry will need to have about its future-self.

“The conference will be a great opportunity to hear from global industry leaders about the changing nature of work methods and skills, as well as the economic and social impacts of the smart modern construction era,” says Professor Perera.

“Its focus on Western Sydney is also apt in light of the fact that the region is expected to become Australia’s construction hot spot for the next 20 years – an airport metropolis at the centre of new infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, a science city, smart warehouses, high-tech offices and housing for over 1 million new residents.

“We hope this conference opens important conversations about what the industry's future-self might be, and how c4SMC can best foster and engage a smart, fast, safer and more sustainable construction industry.”

Professor Perera says he is pleased this major industry event has attracted such high-profile speakers as Mark Farmer and leaders from NSW Health Infrastructure, NSW Education Infrastructure and the Western Sydney Airport Co.

“The insights of these speakers will be so timely, not only in light of the construction boom set for Western Sydney, but also in light of recent sector growth in the smart modern construction era,” says Professor Perera.

c4SMC, based at the University’s School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, is an industry collaboration initiative embracing smart technologies and processes in delivering a modern construction industry. It aims to maximise the potential of the construction industry in Western Sydney, and beyond, as it responds to the challenges of sustainability, digitalisation, industrialisation and globalisation.

Event details

What: Construction Opportunities in Western Sydney: Modernise or Die
Keynote speaker: Mark Farmer, Founding Director and CEO, Cast – UK 
Guest speakers: Anthony Manning, Chief Executive Officer, School Infrastructure, NSW; Martin Cook, Executive Director Delivery, Health Infrastructure; Jackie Aggett, General Manager Procurement, WSA Co

More information about speakers here.

Date: Friday 2 March, 2018 
Time: 12pm - 6pm 
Venue: Waterview Convention Centre, Olympic Park, Homebush 

Contacts: c4SMC, David Chandler M: 0418 676896 PrefabAUS, Warren McGregor M: 0409 827867