October 28 2025 | Procure | Tenders | Virtual Data Rooms
As an adviser to Australia’s Level Crossing Removal Project in Victoria, Mark Betts has unique insights into the transport infrastructure sector. The project is removing 110 level crossings across Melbourne by 2030 .
In this excerpt from Ansarada’s Transport Infrastructure Outlook 2025 , Mark explores some of the challenges and drivers shaping the future of this sector.
What is the primary driver of transport infrastructure investment in Australia?
Economic development is the key driver, but we’re also looking for more than just financial outcomes. Projects now aim to deliver broader benefits, such as increasing workforce capacity and encouraging diversity and inclusion. For example, we focus on boosting female and indigenous participation in the construction industry and allocating a percentage of project spending to social enterprises. These broader goals deliver additional value alongside economic returns.
Does procurement need to adapt to specialised infrastructure projects like rail or EV charging?
Absolutely. Procurement strategies must align with the capabilities of the marketplace. You can’t issue a tender for something the market can’t deliver. It requires thorough analysis of market capacity and capabilities, and sometimes a long-term approach to build that capability. For example, Australia’s heavy rail investment over the last decade required years of capacity building. Misaligned procurement can lead to poor outcomes, so understanding the market is essential.
How do you ensure value for money in transport infrastructure?
It starts with understanding the true cost of a project. Clients need to use historical benchmarking and real data to set accurate expectations before going to market. If bids come in significantly above or below your estimates, it’s a sign that something’s off. Competitive tension is vital, but it needs to be based on a well understood business case. Digital tools also help by fostering collaboration, enabling innovations to be priced into tenders rather than held back for profits.
What role do digital tools play in procurement?
Digital tools are now essential. Integrated platforms with data rooms, communication tracking, and governance processes enable collaborative procurement. They ensure transparency and help capture innovations early, making the process more efficient and cost-effective. Tools like digital twins will become even more critical, particularly in transport infrastructure, where you need to balance operations with construction. These tools allow you to assess the full lifecycle impacts of a project and keep systems running while improving them.
What’s the future of funding for transport infrastructure?
We need alternative funding mechanisms. Taxpayer funding isn’t sustainable long term, so models like public-private partnerships or lifecycle funding assessments, where costs are recouped through operating leases, will become more common. The key is finding ways to share risks while ensuring value for money.
By embracing digital tools and prioritising broader societal benefits, project developers can ensure infrastructure meets current demands and paves the way for a sustainable and inclusive future. Dive into the full interview and discover more insights into the evolving landscape of transport infrastructure.
