Infrastructure is intrinsically linked with a country’s economic growth; it’s the (sometimes literal) bridge that enables the movement of people and goods and provides communities with access to both local and global markets.

Developing and investing in infrastructure improves quality of life for citizens, and when faced with a sudden disaster or crisis, it can mean the difference between resilience and catastrophe.

COVID-19 has disrupted the development of infrastructure across the globe, which will have repercussions for years to come. Now is the time to plan how to build back better in a post-pandemic world, and nowhere is that clearer than in the Pacific. The Asia Development Bank estimates that over USD 30 billion needs to be invested by 2030 for the region’s infrastructure to meet global standards.

“With over 55 years of experience in Australia and the Pacific, the positive impact we can create here is immense,” says Ron Erasmus, Palladium Managing Partner.

The Pacific region presents unique challenges for the development of sustainable infrastructure, including small and dispersed populations, geographic isolation, and limited capacity to develop, operate and maintain infrastructure assets. Many countries are constrained by economies of scale, high construction costs, and limited local skills and capability.

For Ron Erasmus, these trends and challenges are why Palladium is keen to apply a stronger, in-house suite of infrastructure capabilities to the region.

Infrastructure is the Next Step

Bringing Palladium’s infrastructure capabilities in-house is a natural next step and a continuation of many of the company’s development programs already underway. Increasing capacity and in-house expertise helps the team to respond immediately to existing programs’ needs, while taking on new, larger, and longer-term projects.

To support these efforts, Palladium has welcomed Brad Richardson as the new Head of Palladium Infrastructure. Based in Brisbane, Australia with 25 years of experience in the construction industry and a focus on consulting project management, Richardson has worked across all levels of Government in the health, defence, social infrastructure, education, and Indigenous sectors.

According to Richardson, this is an exciting opportunity to do more of what Palladium has always done.

“This is a logical extension of our development work, meaning we can create high performing teams to take our impact further, beyond procurement, all the way to the finish line,” he says. “Palladium is well-placed to respond to infrastructure challenges because of our strong relationships, and the fact that we truly want to do the right thing for the people that need the most help and support in the Pacific region.”

Richardson is also particularly enthusiastic about the opportunities for disaster response – an area in which Palladium’s Sydney-based logistics team has been a global leader for over 30 years.

“A lot needs to happen after you’ve delivered that urgent humanitarian support,” he explains. “The next step is to fix the bridges, fix the hospitals and schools, create food distribution areas – those facilities that help communities shift back from their immediate survival to everyday life, more resilient than before.”

From feasibility studies and economic benefits analyses to project management and construction supervision, Richardson’s team has developed a suite of services intended to meet the needs of Palladium’s clients and the communities they serve.

“I’ve spent 25 years using infrastructure to bring people on a journey – to improve lives,” he says. “I’m looking forward to doing so with Palladium.”

To learn more about Palladium Infrastructure, contact brad.richardson@thepalladiumgroup.com.