Tonkin + Taylor Group’s recent strategic merger with Bligh Tanner aims to strengthen our position in Australia. Rhys Clark, Tonkin + Taylor’s Commercial and Integration Director, managing the merger, and Alan Hoban, Director of Civil and Water at Bligh Tanner, write about the pipeline of work, expanding our coverage across Australia and strengthening our expertise to make the most of infrastructure opportunities where both organisations have a presence across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Opportunities
Strength of the Queensland Economy
The Queensland economy remains resilient, with the public and private sectors investing in infrastructure such as public transport, housing, hospitals, and schools
The most significant opportunity comes with the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games – Investment in the infrastructure required for the 37 venues (seven brand new, with the rest to be repurposed) is to be $7.2 billion.
This opportunity sits alongside an already busy infrastructure pipeline, underpinned by population growth.
Population growth in South-Eastern Queensland
South East Queensland, which includes major cities like Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, has been experiencing significant population growth and is the fastest-growing region in the country.
Factors driving this growth include a robust economy, a desirable climate, and migration from international locations and domestically from other Australian states.
According to the Queensland Government’s Population Projections, the population could rise from around 5.6 million in 2025 to approximately 7.2 million by 2046.
Population growth presents opportunities, such as being a driver for economic development and cultural diversification. However, it is not without its challenges, including increased demand for housing and public services, urbanisation pressure on natural resources and habitats, and the need for appropriate resilient infrastructure to cater to the growing population.
A work bank for innovators
Through merging with Bligh Tanner, Tonkin + Taylor Group is enhancing its existing Australian footprint by tapping into an increased pool of well-qualified and experienced resources. The growth potential in the areas where Bligh Tanner already has a footprint, in Queensland and New South Wales, presents a unique opportunity to deliver excellence across these two regions.
With civil, water, façade, and structural engineering experts, Bligh Tanner, alongside Tonkin + Taylor’s experts, look forward to contributing to the future growth of the Queensland economy
About the authors
Rhys Clark
Rhys is the Commercial Director at Tonkin + Taylor, with responsibilities spanning the Group’s operations in New Zealand, Australia, and globally. He joined the Tonkin + Taylor Board in May 2023. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Rhys also serves on the Board of Directors for Infrastructure New Zealand (INZ) and is of Te Ati Awa Iwi descent.
Read more about Rhys
Alan Hoban
Alan is the Director of Civil and Water at Bligh Tanner Pty Ltd, based in Brisbane. He is a civil and environmental engineer who has worked closely with government and industry to establish policy, planning frameworks and technical standards for better urban water management. His expertise includes: integrated water management and water sensitive urban design (WSUD); policy and planning advice; infrastructure planning; development applications and approvals advice; waterway management; flood and stormwater studies; civil engineering; and climate change strategies.
