About this Episode:

In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, IPWEA Chief Executive David Jenkins sits down with Emad Loka, Director Fleet at Fire and Rescue NSW, to explore how fleet management is evolving from an operational function into a strategic, value-delivering discipline.

Drawing on his engineering background and experience across transport, infrastructure, the private sector and emergency services, Emad explains why modern fleet professionals must look beyond maintaining vehicles and keeping them on the road. They must understand organisational risk, communicate with executives, use reliable data and plan for outcomes that may extend decades into the future. Emad discusses the growing importance of asset management frameworks, the competition for limited capital funding and the need for fleet teams to clearly demonstrate the value they provide. He also explores rapid developments in electric vehicles, alternative fuels, automation, robotics and increasingly computerised vehicles, and what these changes mean for technicians, workshops and fleet leaders. Tune in for a practical and forward-looking conversation about building resilient fleets, influencing decision-makers and preparing the next generation of fleet professionals.

What You'll Learn

• Why fleet management is evolving from an operational function into a strategic discipline that delivers organisational value
• How asset management frameworks help fleet teams make better long-term decisions and compete for limited capital funding
• Why data, risk management and executive communication are becoming essential skills for modern fleet professionals
• What emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, alternative fuels, automation and robotics mean for future fleet operations
• How fleet leaders can build resilient organisations and prepare the next generation of technicians and professionals for an increasingly digital future

About Fire and Rescue NSW:

The Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is one of Australia's largest urban emergency service organisations, providing firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials response and community safety services across New South Wales. Operating a diverse fleet of specialist vehicles and equipment, FRNSW relies on robust asset and fleet management practices to ensure frontline crews can respond safely and effectively whenever emergencies occur. As technology, sustainability requirements and operational demands continue to evolve, FRNSW is at the forefront of adopting innovative fleet solutions that support both emergency response capability and long-term organisational resilience.

About Emad Loka :

Emad Loka is Director Fleet at Fire and Rescue NSW, where he is responsible for the strategic management, maintenance and future planning of the organisation's extensive fleet assets. An engineer by profession, Emad has built a broad career spanning transport, infrastructure, private industry and emergency services. He is passionate about applying asset management principles to fleet operations, helping organisations make informed investment decisions, manage risk and deliver long-term value. Through his leadership, Emad has championed data-driven decision-making, innovation and workforce capability development, while helping prepare fleet organisations for the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, automation, robotics and increasingly connected vehicle systems.