Infrastructure and buildings are responsible for almost a third of Australia’s emissions and indirectly responsible for over half, meaning they will play a critical role in the country’s journey to net zero. This report sets out a plan to overcome worker shortages that are holding Australia back from decarbonising infrastructure projects in the bid to reach net zero by 2050. It identifies the make-up of the infrastructure net zero workforce that can decarbonise infrastructure projects, while pinpointing four recommendations to help it upskill and grow.

The report’s key recommendation calls for governments, industry and educators to develop a new industry-wide training program to ensure there is a nationally consistent approach to decarbonising projects.

Recommendations

1. Coordinate actions to boost infrastructure workforce supply and skills uplift across key sectors (transport, energy and the built environment) and jurisdictions.
2. Track capability of the infrastructure workforce to achieve net zero over time and monitor the progress, identifying emerging needs and future opportunities to boost supply and uplift capability.
3. Undertake research on pathways and worker mobility across adjacent infrastructure sectors and jurisdictions into high impact net zero roles.
4. Explore options to develop an industry wide approach for a Carbon Management Fundamentals program for infrastructure professionals and leaders.