Australia’s bid to host the
ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress (WTC) 2028
PROPOSED DATES AND HOST CITY: Friday 31 March to Thursday 06 April 2028, Brisbane, Australia
Australia, with its rich heritage in tunnelling across sectors like transport, water, and hydroelectric projects, stands as a leader in tackling global challenges such as water security and energy transition.
WTC 2028 in Brisbane will spotlight Australia’s expertise in sustainable and resilient infrastructure, showcasing advancements in climate-resilient water systems, including desalination and recycled water projects, alongside innovative energy storage solutions like pumped hydro. These initiatives reflect Australia’s commitment to infrastructure that meets current needs while safeguarding resources for future generations.
Theme for WTC 2028
Energy Transition and Water Security
The theme of the congress, Energy Transition and Water Security, emphasises the vital and interconnected roles of tunnelling and underground spaces in promoting sustainable and resilient infrastructure worldwide.
In line with the global movement towards net-zero targets, Australia and its states are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with Queensland setting an ambitious goal of 80% renewable energy by 2032. This commitment will be a focal point of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, showcasing projects that not only advance green energy but also enhance water security.
Australia’s tunnelling industry plays a crucial role in this transition, supporting infrastructure essential for hydroelectric power, desalination, water transfer, and wastewater recycling.
The country’s extensive network of tunnels, including recent projects employing large-diameter TBMs, demonstrates its capability to sustainably address both energy and water needs. With over $100 billion invested in projects like metro rail systems, hydroelectric plants, and advanced water transfer networks, Australia’s approach aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its Net Zero commitments. This transition has also spurred the growth of international contractors and designers, who bring new skills to the region.
The ITA-AITES WTC 2028 will be instrumental in advancing these ambitions by uniting the global tunnelling community and sharing innovative design and construction practices. The congress will provide a platform for international experts to collaborate and exchange knowledge, driving forward energy and water solutions on a global scale.
Committee
Meet the committee who will be with you every step of the way for WTC 2028.
Discover the Committee
Dr. Jurij Karlovsek
Senior Lecturer / Reader, The University of Queensland
Senthilnath GT
Associate Principal, EIC Activities
Alex Gomes
Chief Technical Principal Tunnels and Underground Engineering, SMEC
Marne Schlotz
Senior Manager, Conferences and Major Events, Professional Development, Engineers Australia
Brodie Aitchison
Tunnel Enthusiast 😊 / Associate, Tunnelling, Aurecon
Dr. David Och
Technical Director - Geology & Tunnels (National Geological Specialist Tunnels and Underground Structures), WSP
Helen Baxter-Crawford
Technical Principal Engineering Geologist, SMEC
Ulrike Pelz
Senior Technical Director – Tunnels & Major Projects, GHD Tunnel Service Line Lead, APAC
Cindy-Lee Bakos
Association Solution Director, MCI Australia
Latest
News for WTC 2028 Bid
Education and Training for the Next Generation of Engineers
The Australian Tunnelling Society (ATS) is committed to equipping engineers with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to excel in the dynamic tunnelling industry.
The Australian Tunnelling Society (ATS) is committed to equipping engineers with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to excel in the dynamic tunnelling industry. Through initiatives like the Victorian Tunnelling Centre (VTC), ATS introduces students, career changers, and job seekers to the world of tunnel construction and operations, emphasizing career pathways and hands-on experiences. Health and safety are paramount in Australian construction, and ATS is a pioneer in raising awareness about workplace hazards like silica dust exposure. By collaborating with experts, ATS has set a benchmark for health and safety standards in tunnelling and infrastructure, ensuring the workforce is protected and informed. Additionally, the Diversity in Tunnelling Sub-Group promotes equity and inclusion, ensuring all voices contribute to building a robust and innovative industry.
ATS’s dedication to education extends to fostering strong mentorship through its Mentor Alliance Program, connecting emerging talent with experienced professionals to inspire and guide career development. The Young Members Committee further supports early-career professionals through global collaborations with ITAym and hands-on contributions to industry resources like the ATS Tunnel Design Guideline. While partnerships with academic institutions like The University of Queensland and Monash University facilitate undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral research projects in tunnelling and digital engineering, ATS complements these efforts with a wide array of technical resources, including monthly technical sessions, podcasts, and the biannual ATS Short Course, which deepen industry knowledge. These programs, with their emphasis on health, safety, sustainability, and innovation, will play a critical role in the World Tunnel Congress 2028, where ATS will showcase how its initiatives are shaping the next generation of engineers and advancing the future of tunnelling globally.
Sustainable Infrastructure
Our Sustainable City
Brisbane’s livability is intrinsically linked to our natural environment. Brisbane is the most biodiverse city in Australia and the Congress delegates can make the most of our beautiful natural environment.
The simple walkability of the city for conference delegates, delivers huge sustainably outcomes in itself, delivering health, economic, social and environmental outcomes for Congress organisers and delegates alike.
Brisbane sustainability credentials are ever increasing, and the city is committed to delivering the world first Net Zero Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.
Outline below are just some of the city’s sustainability credentials that support the delivery of sustainable Congress’s.
- Certified with Climate Active
- Carbon neutral city council
- Almost 900 kilometres of bike, walking and running paths
- More than hectares of green space, including 17 hectares in South Bank precincts
- Brisbane Airport Cooperation committed to net zero carbon emissions scope 1 and 2 by 2050
- Free or discounted public transport for delegates
- Free exercise and well being classes in South Bank Parklands
Your Sustainable Venue
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) strives to be a world leading socially and environmentally sustainable event facility. We’re not just a venue we are an active community partner.
- Achieved EarthCheck Platinum Certification
- Eco Guardian Dehydrator reducing 54,000kg of food waste to organic fertilizer annually – used on South Bank Parklands
- 764 solar panels on Grey St supplying up to 40% of energy demand
- Over 30 different waste streams separated and redirected from landfill
- Introduction of Carbon Calculator to offset event emissions
- 2,260 kilolitres of rainwater stored and reused for cleaning and irrigation
Your Sustainable Venue
Tangolooma EcoMarines – Inspiring the Future Generation to take Environmental Action
Tangalooma EcoMarines is a Brisbane-based, not-for-profit organisation, offering a unique environmental education program aimed at developing environmental leadership in students of all ages, to achieve a healthy environment for local marine and wildlife, through collaborative community action. The initiative is supported by Tangalooma Isalnd Resort – a key tourism destination off the coast of Brisbane where much of the marine education is delivered. Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is an official partner and supporter of Tangalooma EcoMarines.
Development of the BCEC Carbon Calculator
The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is committed to supporting our industry to having a positive impact on sustainability and climate change and recognising the opportunity to provide a solution for our clients. To support this BCEC commissioned the Carbon Reduction Institute (CRI) to provide a calculation tool to assist in calculating the emissions impacts of its event packages. The goal of the calculator is to provide a carbon footprint from BCEC’s hosting of each event. The calculator also enables you to choose a carbon neutral option when selecting BCEC as your venue a robust process to create this calculator is currently taking place and we look to have this online in the near future.
Technical Programme
Brisbane offers an ideal gateway to explore a diverse array of past, present, and future tunnelling and underground space projects across Queensland and Australia.
A comprehensive package of technical tours will be developed, ranging from single-day visits to immersive multi-day study tours. These will be seamlessly integrated with short courses, enhancing the educational value of the programme. Collaborating with various partner organisations, this rich selection of technical tours highlights Brisbane’s unique strengths and underscores its suitability as the host city for the ITA-AITES WTC 2028.
Technical tours
Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES)
Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) schemes across Australia TBM, conventional and drill and blast tunnelling techniques, playing a vital role in the development of Australia’s transition to renewable Energy. A current example of this is Kidston PHES.
Watch video
Snowy 2.0 PHES project
Snowy 2.0 PHES project, Australia’s largest renewable energy initiative, involves 27km of tunnelling.
Borumba Pumped Hydro
Borumba Dam Pumped Hydro project is a 2,000 MW pumped hydro energy storage system at Lake Borumba. This project underpins the decarbonisation of Queensland’s energy system.
Cross River Rail
Cross River Rail is a 10.2km rail line. The development includes four new inner-city stations and 5.9 km of twin tunnels under the Brisbane river and CBD.
Watch video
Brisbane Metro
Brisbane Metro is a high-frequency, rapid transit bus system. It will consist of two routes that will each service the Brisbane central business district.
Watch video
The Sneyd Street
The Sneyd Street drains are heritage listed stormwater tunnels under Brisbane City , which are not only important for their historical value but also for their technical and scientific significance.
Australian tunnelling key projects
Westgate Tunnel, Melbourne
Australia is home to some very large diameter tunnel boring machines creating 3 lane highways in challenging ground conditions
Drive through of the West Gate service tunnel (video)
West Gate Tunnel Series Episode 4: New twin tunnels (video)
West Gate Tunnel Drone Footage (video)
North East Link, Melbourne
Australia is home to some very large diameter tunnel boring machines creating 3 lane highways in challenging ground conditions.
North East Link - Australia's Largest New Transport Project (video)
Download Proposed Technical Programme
PROPOSED WTC 2028 HOST CITY
Brisbane
Brisbane is Australia’s third largest and fastest growing city, is a vibrant urban centre with arts, cultural, sporting and dining offerings that compete with the best global cities.
Brisbane is Australia’s powerhouse city and capital of Queensland with a worldwide reputation as a leader in science and technology and host city of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Offering sun-filled days, Brisbane is the gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef and tropical Far North Queensland.
Asia Pacific hub
Brisbane is the Asia Pacific hub for world leading science, medicine and technology industries, and is the finance, business and investment capital of Queensland. The City’s location on Australia’s east coast provides direct access to the Asia Pacific region and easy connectivity to other Australian cities and regions.
Air access
Brisbane’s award-winning airport and superior infrastructure provide a smooth and warm welcome to Brisbane for visiting delegates. Brisbane’s International Terminal is serviced by 23 international carriers, offering over 300 direct flights to 34 international destinations each week. Operating 24 hours a day, Brisbane Airport is just a 20 minute drive from the city and Convention Centre.
Australia’s most awarded convention centre
BCEC has been named the World’s Best Convention Centre by the International Association of Congress Centres. Host venue for the G20 Summit, acknowledged as the ‘Best Ever’, BCEC is Australia’s most flexible meetings venue offering unprecedented choice with an impressive portfolio of meeting rooms and event spaces, with capacity for plenary sessions of up to 8,000.
Brisbane’s experience
Brisbane has a successful track record for hosting hundreds of major and challenging events including one of the world’s largest conventions, Rotary International Convention for 15,000 delegates, the 2014 G20 Leaders’ Summit for 7,000 and most recently the International Aids Society Conference on HIV Science 2023 for 5,000.
Outstanding international attractions
Brisbane’s ideal location as the capital of Australia’s premier tourist region presents the ideal opportunity for delegates to enjoy a microcosm of Australia’s iconic experiences. World heritage listed rainforests, amazing beaches, islands, wineries and the internationally famous Australia Zoo – home of the Crocodile Hunter – are all easily accessible within an hour of the city. You can even do day trips to the Great Barrier Reef from Brisbane.
Financial feasibility and support
Australia’s bid is strongly supported by state and local government. Should Brisbane be selected as host for the ITS World Congress, the Congress will be supported by a substantial financial and in-kind support package, designed maximise return and support the delivery of an outstanding World Congress.
Unique convention precinct
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) is ideally located in the unique riverside cultural and lifestyle precinct at South Bank. Home to Australia’s newest and largest Gallery of Modern Art, more than 100 cafes and restaurants and stylish shops, South Bank is an inner-city oasis with green spaces, riverfront parkland, rainforest pockets and Australia’s only city-based sand and swimming beach – complete with life guards!
Affordable and accessible accommodation
There are more than 260 hotels and over 20,000 accommodation rooms in Brisbane. A 305 room hotel is directly linked to the Centre and a 160 room hotel is located adjacent to the Centre, while 48 of the 230 hotels are within 2km or short walking distance of the Centre. Hotels are very affordable by world standards and range from five star to serviced apartments and budget type accommodation.
Value for money
Brisbane offers outstanding value for money for delegates and organisers alike. In comparison with Sydney and Melbourne we still offer cheaper accommodation rates, food and drinks; the price of a coffee or a beer is also cheaper. For organisers Brisbane offers more affordable services including printers, satchels and website retailers and service providers.
Value adds for delegates
Brisbane has an efficient and accessible transport network, and the Centre is central to a number of major transport hubs. The city of Brisbane can offer your delegates discounted Airtrain tickets and free CityHopper ferries and CityLoop buses. Delegates also have free access to galleries and museums within the convention precinct of South Bank.
Host Organisations
Local WTC 2028 Participation
The Australian Tunnelling Society (ATS), Engineers Australia (EA), and MCI Group bring a wealth of expertise and resources to support the successful organisation and impactful delivery of WTC 2028, especially in advancing the themes of Energy Transition and Water Security.
Australian Tunnelling Society
ATS is a key member of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA), representing a large portion of Australia’s tunnelling expertise with over 750 members. The association hosts an annual National Conference, attracting over 400 delegates from Australia and New Zealand to discuss the latest tunnelling trends. At WTC 2028, ATS will share Australia’s advancements in sustainable infrastructure and tunnelling technologies, focusing on energy transition and water security. ATS members will contribute to ITA’s goals by offering insights on climate-resilient water systems and renewable energy storage solutions like pumped hydro.
Engineers Australia
As the national body representing over 130,000 engineers, Engineers Australia (EA) plays a critical role in shaping engineering practices in Australia, including in tunnelling and underground construction. EA advocates for continuous professional development, high safety standards, and sustainable engineering practices, which are key to supporting the ITA’s objectives. EA’s extensive experience in hosting large-scale national and international conferences will be invaluable in planning and executing WTC 2028. By bringing together experts in energy and water infrastructure, EA will contribute to discussions on advanced construction methods, energy-efficient designs, and resilient water systems. EA’s commitment to societal well-being aligns with WTC 2028’s focus on Energy Transition and Water Security, as the organisation will facilitate sessions that address the engineering challenges and solutions associated with sustainable tunnelling.
MCI Australia
MCI Australia, an award winning marketing and engagement agency, is bringing its extensive expertise to the development of the World Tunnel Congress (WTC) 2028 in Brisbane, Australia.
As one of Australia’s leading and largest Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs), with over 40 years of experience and a team of 80+ dedicated professionals, MCI Australia is committed to delivering world-class events. Their extensive background in engineering, transport, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), road safety, and rail, coupled with their global network of 60+ offices in 30+ countries, and supported by their track record in delivering some Brisbane’s largest and most prolific projects in Brisbane, uniquely positions them to support this prestigious event.
Having previously organised WTC 2018, MCI’s experience will be invaluable in sharing knowledge to foster the exchange of knowledge and innovations within the tunneling industry. MCI is also ready to leverage its expertise and network with stakeholders in sponsorship, exhibition sales, and marketing to ensure the success of this bid and the congress itself.
Together, ATS, EA, and MCI Group offer a powerful combination of technical expertise, organisational experience, and international reach. Their collaboration on WTC 2028 will strengthen ITA’s mission, supporting knowledge-sharing and innovation in areas critical to the future of tunnelling, including sustainable energy and resilient water infrastructure.
Supporting Organisations
Discover the incredible support behind our initiative by clicking on the company logos. Each one reveals a Letter of Support, showcasing their commitment and shared vision. Take a moment to explore these powerful endorsements that drive our mission forward.
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