Technical Tours

Technical Tour 1 - Innovations in Sustainability

Departs: 8:30am from MCEC | Returns: 12:00pm at MCEC (approx.) | Cost: $55.00 / person | Lunch: Not included

This guided walking tour along the banks of Melbourne’s famous upside-down river takes in two innovative sustainability projects.

Birrarung Floating Wetlands

The lower stretch of Melbourne’s Yarra River (Birrarung) was once a rich ecosystem of riparian vegetation and seasonal wetlands that supported species diversity. Just a short walk from the Convention Centre, the Birrarung Floating Wetlands project reintroduces planting that will inform opportunities to improve the health of the river system and the experience of Melbourne’s city-scapes.

Melbourne Skyfarm

Located in Melbourne's emerging Seafarer's precinct and directly opposite the Conference venue, Melbourne Skyfarm is a collaboration between sustainability companies to transform a 2000-square metre rooftop car park into an urban farm and environmental oasis in the heart of the city.

Technical Tour 2 - Innovations in Technology

Departs: 8:30am from MCEC | Returns: 3:00pm at MCEC (approx.) | Cost: $99.00 / person | Lunch: NTRO (lunch box)

This coach tour includes visits to two Melbourne-based technology Centres of Excellence to provide insights into opportunities for today and tomorrow’s public works leaders.

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National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO)

Australia’s National Transport Research Organisation pulls together multi-modal transport solutions to help the sector embrace new technologies and materials for next generation issues. The visit will feature presentations of the benefits and challenges of connected and automated vehicles, provide insights into how best to prepare for their introduction and include a vehicle demonstration.

Trimble Technology Lab

Software, hardware and services technology company Trimble has collaborated with Melbourne’s Swinburne University to establish a state-of-the-art Technology Lab at its School of Engineering. The visit will showcase the Trimble Technology Lab, Smart Structures Lab and Digital Construction Lab.

Technical Tour 3 - Strategic Asset Management

Departs: 8:30am from MCEC | Returns: 3:00pm at MCEC (approx.) | Cost: $132.00 / person | Lunch: Geelong (Sailors Rest Hotel)

Victoria’s Local Government Act 2020 requires Councils develop, adopt and keep in force a 10-year Asset Plan; a public-facing document that informs the community how municipal assets will be managed to achieve the Council Plan and Community Vision. Hosted by the City of Greater Geelong, this tour features presentations of leadership in strategic asset management.

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Melton City Council

The fast-developing City of Melton features a busy urban centre and substantial rural hinterland. It is one of the state’s Growth Area Councils and was amongst the first to establish an Asset Plan. Its Asset Plan 2021-2031 references the community’s vision Melton City 2041 – The City We Create to ensure its aspirations are at the heart of everything Council does.

City of Greater Geelong

Gateway to Victoria’s world-renowned Great Ocean Road, the City of Greater Geelong is Victoria’s largest regional city and a UNESCO City of Design. Its Social Infrastructure Plan aims to ensure that decision-making and investment in community infrastructure and services is clear, fair, equal and based on evidence of need and insights of the community. It is a key input to Council’s Asset Plan.

Technical Tour 4 - Underground Infrastructure

Departs: 10:00am from MCEC | Returns: 1:00pm at MCEC (approx.) | Cost: $33.00* / person | Lunch: Not included
*Covers transportation cost only

The Metro Tunnel Project is part of Victoria’s multi-billion dollar Big Build road and rail infrastructure program. It’s a city-shaping project featuring 9km trinocular rail tunnels beneath Melbourne’s CBD and five new underground stations. Limited to only 30 people, this coach and guided walking tour offers exclusive access to the project whilst under construction.

Visitors must be physically able and capable of walking on uneven ground, up and down stairs, be over the age of 18 years, and not afraid of heights. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided but long pants and long sleeves must be worn.

Arden Station

Arden Station in North Melbourne is central to urban renewal plans for the broader precinct which is expected to become home for 15,000 residents and support over 34,000 jobs within 30 years. Directly connected to Melbourne’s extensive metropolitan rail network, the station’s design reflects the rich industrial heritage of the area and sets the tone for future development.

Technical Tour 5 - Road, Rail & Active Transport

Departs: 8:30am from MCEC | Returns: 2:00pm at MCEC (approx.) | Cost: $99.00 / person | Lunch: MCC (lunch box)

The Level Crossing Removal Project is part of Victoria’s multi-billion dollar Big Build road and rail infrastructure program. It will remove 110 dangerous and congested level crossings across Melbourne by 2030 and is the largest project of its kind in Victoria's history. Hosted by Merri-bek City Council, this coach and walking tour will showcase the beneficial community outcomes achievable from pro-active state and local government collaboration.

Merri-bek City Council

The vibrant City of Merri-bek is 5km from the CBD in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling inner north. It’s home to a culturally diverse community with one-third of its residents born overseas, mostly in non-English speaking countries.

Council worked closely with the LCRP team throughout the removal of four level crossings from the municipality and the construction of new train stations at Coburg and Moreland. The project has created significant new assets for the Merri-bek community with separated pedestrian and bike paths along the sections of Upfield bike path, improved east-west connectivity, new playgrounds, public toilets, open space and landscaping.

Council’s advocacy resulted in a basketball court, a skate park and a fenced off-leash dog area and significant swathes of new open space including several new active play and exercise spaces. The assets beneath the elevated rail line have now been handed over to Council for ongoing maintenance.