SEQ's infrastructure challenges and opportunities toward 2032

Queensland’s infrastructure is under pressure like never before. Record population growth, the demands of the energy transition, and looming deadlines for the 2032 Olympics are converging. How can the state deliver?

Join our panel of experts - Matthew Mackey, Michelle Wooldridge, Senator James McGrath, and Ross Elliott - as they explore how to balance permanent population growth with a temporary influx of athletes, and what this means for business, housing, and the community.

Matthew Mackey
National Service Lead for Cost & Commercial Management at Arcadis Queensland and Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Known as the “Cost Legend,” Matthew champions innovation, smarter procurement, and productivity gains to deliver a more sustainable and data-driven construction sector. He also chairs the Queensland Residential Committee for the Property Council of Australia.

Senator James McGrath
Senator for Queensland since 2014 and currently Shadow Minister for Urban Infrastructure, Cities, and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. With a background as a solicitor and political strategist, James brings a sharp focus on how policy and governance intersect with the infrastructure challenges ahead.

Michelle Wooldridge
CEO of Pikos Group, with more than 20 years in property and development. Michelle has led major projects including the Brisbane Showgrounds, Herston Quarter, Cross River Rail, and Yarrabilba. She is Vice President of the Queensland Division Council for the Property Council of Australia.

Ross Elliott
Urban strategist and policy advisor with over 35 years’ experience. Ross chairs the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Initiative, leads the think tank Suburban Futures, and has held senior roles at the Property Council of Australia and Brisbane Marketing.