Celebrating emerging infrastructure leaders

RPS is a proud sponsor of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia (IPA)’s Future Infrastructure Leader Award in 2020.

At last night’s National Infrastructure Awards, Jayne Longstaff, Commercial Development Manager at TransGrid, was honoured for her outstanding contribution to the sector.

The award is a highlight of our sponsorship of IPA's National Awards and Future Infrastructure Leaders Program and we want to extend our congratulations to Jayne on behalf of everyone here at RPS.

We think that every day is a good day to celebrate the industry’s best and brightest, so we ask four of our own emerging leaders what inspired them to get into infrastructure, and what changes they are excited to see coming through on projects in 2021.

Meet our emerging infrastructure advisory leaders

“I’ve always been fascinated by societies and economies, and how their growth and evolution was often the result of new infrastructure that changed how people worked and lived.

“Australia is investing unprecedented amounts in infrastructure to respond to population growth and increasing urbanisation, so it’s an exciting time to work in the sector! Game-changing infrastructure projects used to be the exception, and now they’re the norm.

“In particular, I’m passionate about transport infrastructure and its ability to connect people, shape how we work and live, and create a sense of ‘place’ within our cities”. 

"When I finished my undergraduate degree, I started out my career in the Department of Transport and Main Roads, specifically working in the area focusing on the Department’s project investment and feasibility.

“From there I moved into the private sector, meaning I got to expand my project experience outside of transport into other areas including real estate, tourism and the development of social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.

“While COVID has had a huge impact in 2020, I’m excited to see how government and the private sector plan to reinvigorate the economy through investment in infrastructure post-pandemic.

“This, coupled with the planned 2032 Olympics bid, means there is going to be an exciting pipeline of city-shaping projects that will fundamentally change the landscape of South East Queensland.

“This sums up why I enjoy my work so much – every day is different and I am very lucky to have such great opportunities to work on a range of projects across different sectors that make a difference for people.”

“I started my career as a civil contractor building road and rail projects across New South Wales and Victoria. I then made a change and moved into infrastructure development, joining the Victorian Government to develop the North East Link Project. It gave me a whole new perspective on the transport sector and filled in a major piece of the puzzle for me on how projects are born and come to life.

“Now back in Sydney and working as a consultant here at RPS, I’m excited about the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link project. It’s amazing that another road crossing of the Harbour is being developed during my career and the opportunity to be involved with a project that will require significant technical and commercial innovation definitely makes this a once in a lifetime piece of infrastructure.

“Every day in infrastructure is different and challenging. Our projects touch so many important stakeholders that every piece of work we are involved with is unique and requires strong collaboration and critical thinking. I’ve always enjoyed working in a team and achieving great outcomes and we get so many opportunities to do that in this sector.”

“When you’re part of the infrastructure sector, you’re helping shape projects that will help communities to connect and grow for generations to come. There’s no better purpose.

“After the year we’ve had in Victoria, the notion that we can use infrastructure to build back better is really exciting. Infrastructure will play a huge role in the state’s economic recovery, and it’s fulfilling to know that you are part of something bigger and delivering positive outcomes for the community.”

About RPS

Founded in 1970, RPS, A Tetra Tech Company (RPS) is a leading global professional services firm of 5,000 consultants and service providers. Operating in 125 countries, working across six continents we define, design and manage projects that create shared value to a complex, urbanising and resource-scarce world.

RPS delivers a broad range of services in six sectors: property, energy, transport, water, defence and government services and resources. Services provided across RPS' six sectors cover twelve service clusters: project and program management, design and development, water services, environment, advisory and management consulting, exploration and development, planning and approvals, health, safety and risk, oceans and coastal, laboratories, training and communications, creative and digital services.

RPS stands out for its clients by using its deep expertise to solve problems that matter, making them easy to understand. Making complex easy.

For further information, please visit www.rpsgroup.com.