Daniel Orriss, Executive General Manager at Stabilised Pavements of Australia, talks about recent changes within the road pavement industry and the importance of keeping up with technology.
- How long have you/your company been an AfPA member and why did you decide to become one?
Stabilised Pavements of Australia (SPA) has been an AfPA member for more than 15 years. Our original involvement was through profiling and has grown to include our spray sealing capability.
- How did you start your career in the road construction industry?
As a graduate engineer back in 2005. Initially starting in a hands-on role in the field, which is a great way to learn the key elements of field operations!
- What is your current role and what does it involve?
Executive General Manager at Stabilised Pavements of Australia, which allows me the opportunity to support our leaders, contribute towards business improvement and identify growth opportunities.
- What is the best thing about your current role?
There are plenty of enjoyable elements to my role. Two of the key aspects would firstly be the opportunity to see and experience much of Australia both from a travel perspective and to understand the subtle differences in how our industry operates across different geographical locations. Secondly, another great aspect is the opportunity to network and learn from a range of great people that make up our industry, tapping into their knowledge, ideas and key learnings they have acquired throughout their experiences.
- What is your biggest achievement in the industry?
Without highlighting a single achievement, I think reflecting on the strong range of networks and relationships that I continue to build within the industry is encouraging. Additionally, the opportunity to be part of a team that can lay claim to providing sustainable road rehabilitation solutions that are in the genuine interests of our customers. We continue to build our footprint in this area and there are still many untapped opportunities to reduce the environmental impacts of many pavement asset owners.
- What is a recent change you have seen in the industry and how are you/the company prepared for that?
That’s a timely question in our industry for a range of reasons! Apart from the obvious COVID-19 impacts, the current and increasing skills shortage is a key challenge for our industry and is going to become increasingly demanding in the next few years. On the opportunities front, as a pavement recycling company, the opportunities that align with the growing appetite for reduced waste and decarbonised solutions has SPA well placed to deliver industry needs. Through the combination of attracting and retaining talented people within our business and the application of our marketing leading solutions, we’re well placed to achieve success in the coming years.
- What do you think is most interesting about the road construction industry?
Roads are a part of most people’s lives daily. Road infrastructure has a strong future but evolving vehicle and transport technologies will shift how road assets are used and the way our industry will support current and future needs. Monitoring how technological advancement and asset management innovations shape our future is an ever-evolving landscape that evokes the imagination. Trying to understand emerging technologies and how they can be applied to our industry is something we need to maintain a continued awareness of and to ensure we are adequately placed to take advantage and make improvements in key areas such as safety, efficiency, communication and data analytics.
- How has being a member of AfPA benefitted you in the industry?
AfPA provides a range of benefits to our business. Some of the key aspects would be the education and training opportunities, networking at events and the ability to connect with a good range of resources to support our needs.
- What are your goals for the future?
Stay healthy, be happy and always look to learn and improve.