Inertian Insight – June 2023

When Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the Federal Budget last month, there was an air of trepidation in the industry as rumours abounded regarding potential changes to major project funding and investment, the cost-of-living pressures and the need to address the nation’s housing supply and affordability challenges.

Inertia’s Scott Clements casts his eye over the numbers that matter to the industry. “We saw a well-considered and thoughtful budget on the whole, but as with any budget, there is always room for improvement,” said Scott.

Read the full article here

Our incredible team is moving from strength to strength, and this month we have announced the well-deserved elevations in our Buildings Teams for Land and Water, Commercial, Industrial and Residential. Please join us in congratulating these talented individuals who have worked incredibly hard. We wish you continued success as you step up to your new roles!

A very warm welcome to Casey Shea, who has joined our team as Senior Civil Engineer! Casey brings to the team extensive knowledge of stormwater design, flood analysis and project management.

Inertia’s Managing Director, Scott Clements was thrilled to collaborate again with his dear friend and Advisory Board Chair, Roger Collins Woolcock at the second of a board room lunch series ‘Imagining Our Future’, recently.  The terrific host, Darren Davis of Davis White set the mood with the ambient lights of Leonard’s Cellar and another fine selection of carefully curated vino.

Guest Speakers, Chris Isles – General Manager Economic Development at Redland City Council, Shelley McCormack – Director of Bull & Bear and Bruce Harper – Queensland’s General Manager of Avid, led conversations focused on residential land development. The highest migration in 20 years into south east Queensland is putting pressure on housing supply and we explored the history of land development, with a forecast that we will see the continuing trend of smaller lots. Also discussed was declining housing diversity across the region, the opportunity for over 65s rental accommodation developments, as well as upcoming changes to the Manufactured Homes Act. Increasing costs of construction and in particular headworks were a hot topic and enthusiasm was shared for some of the exciting upcoming developments in Redlands City Council.

Thank you to all who joined us for this memorable occasion –  Michael Forwood, John Petrie, Michael Webb, Peter Egerton, Andrew Bradford, Stephanie Clark and a special thanks to our host, venue and guest speakers! Stick around for our next event, in the ‘Imagining Our Future’ series.

Inertia Engineering hosted an exhilarating Elevate session recently, facilitated by Dr Cathryn Lloyd from Maverick Minds. Your Shift in Thinking was designed as a follow-on from our memorable Inertia Connect Day held last year with the stimulating theme centred around connection and creativity.

We are counting down the days to our annual Inertia Connect to be held again this coming August. Our Inertians are encouraged to be ready with an open and curious mind for this eventful day of stirring conversation, creative connection and playful activities.

Inertia’s Civil Designer, Martin Ibanez, is onboard and moving full steam ahead for the exciting opportunities that await the civil sector in preparation for the Olympics. His experience spans from South America to the ‘Down Under,’ and his enthusiasm for creating a positive impact on society is inspiring. We caught up with Martin, where he shares his introduction to the railway and his passion for building a rewarding career in civil engineering as he designs infrastructure that we rely on daily.

Read Martin’s article

Inertia’s Gladstone Lead, Tim Reynolds, enjoyed some lunch and networking at the Connecting Industry Luncheon recently.

“It was fantastic to hear guest speakers Pembroke Resources’ General Manager, Blair Richardson, and ESG Manager, Melanie Saul, speak about their latest development, the Olive Downs Complex. It is currently the largest mine under construction in Queensland, providing over 500 jobs over the two year construction period and then 1,000 new jobs once it is in operation. It is also set to be the largest steelmaking coal mine in the world.” – Tim Reynolds.

The presentation also addressed the challenges faced with ecological impacts for a coal mine in 2023.

Earlier this month, celebrated Inertians born in May and June at our customary Birthday Munch. While the rest of the group forgot their party hats, Aaron came prepared with a shiny ribbon, ever ready to have a good time. The happy bunch indulged in the mouthwatering menu at Pilgrim, located at the heritage-listed Barracks in Brisbane. With the spicy aromas of delicious Latin – American cuisine, the bar is set high! Where do you think we should try next?

Inertia was delighted to join the QUT Faculty event – Women in Engineering at QUT Art Museum recently, where we were treated to delicious food and wine while celebrating women artists.

Cinthia Ferreira, Callie Omlid and Honeylette Mia Ferolin were inspired by the wonders of the 20th century at A Matter of Looking and the National Gallery Touring Exhibition, Showers & Syme. A whimsical evening of fun and creativity, enjoyed by all!

Our Inertia Cultural Committee has done it again! Our Autumn Picnic was a smashing success; this time they won the team over with chicken! A buffet of hot chooks and salad were gobbled up, followed by a few rounds of ball and a game of outdoor Jenga. Despite having to reschedule due to a wet forecast, it was definitely worth the wait to hang out with such a cool crew. Thanks to our ICC for putting it all together and making it happen!

WOW! The team certainly outdid themselves this year at Inertia’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, not only with their baking efforts but also by digging deep and donating to a worthy cause, raising awareness and funds in the fight against cancer.

Each year, the team get a chance to bake to win the illustrious Golden Spoon. Daniel Pachon whipped up a mouth-watering ‘Carlotta’ lemon dessert, a Colombian favourite made with just three ingredients. Voted by his peers, it knocked out all contenders and won him the Gold! In second place, Adam Iervese, won Silver for his delicious savory choice—arancini balls. Aaron Knight, the Gold winner of 2022, landed the Wooden Spoon and Encouragement award. Better luck next year, Aaron!