Early days in the industry
Chris came to be involved with Trenchless Technology in the early 1990s, when Melbourne’s water industry changed from being focused on large infrastructure construction to focusing on operations and maintenance. Chris says his journey through this period of change allowed him to develop an interest in new ways of solving age-old problems with limited resources.
Trenchless Technology was being used during this period of change, however the focus on the pitfalls of the various systems and the failed attempts of multinationals to gain acceptance in an immature market held the industry back. The emergence of the ASTT and growth of local contractors resulted in standards and specifications designed to better manage the various trenchless methods, and regular conferences across Australia stimulated interest and learning throughout the industry.
Being part of this learning curve over the last 20 years has maintained Chris’ interest in the industry on both sides of the fence, as both a principal and service provider.
Chris on the importance of the ASTT
Chris says “Every industry needs a peak body with the charter to grow and develop in a sustainable manner. The ASTT has been instrumental in facilitating the growth of the industry through the development of standards, education and promotion of the industry.
“The affiliation of the ASTT with the worldwide trenchless community is important to ensure Australian users of Trenchless Technology stay in touch with global developments. The challenge for the ASTT – and every volunteer organisation for that matter – is gaining the participation and support of members to ensure fresh ideas and initiatives are developed.”
Looking into the future
Chris believes the future of the industry is bright, as developments in the global economy highlight the benefits of Trenchless Technology. These developments will change the way asset renewal options are assessed and promoted.
According to Chris three emerging trends will shape the future of the industry:
- 1. Continued development of renewal products using new materials as previously expensive high tech and exotic materials become more accessible. This will lead to refinement of existing methods.
- 2. Development of new technology to tackle projects currently not possible with existing methods.
- 3. Less reliance of proprietary products and a greater emphasis on service delivery.
The industry grows
Chris notes that the refinement of existing techniques, along with the development of pressure lining, have been the main technological changes the industry has seen as it has grown over the past ten years.
“As the industry has matured competition from new entrants has necessitated productivity improvements and streamlining of established trenchless methods,” says Chris. “Margins of error are consequently smaller and a focus on risk management is now greater as a result.”
A few words of advice
For new entrants into the Trenchless Technology arena, Chris has the following advice: “Stick to the fundamentals of business, quality and service delivery, not market share, as failures not only damage the financial viability of an organisation but do greater damage to the industry’s reputation as a whole.”
Exciting times
The products that are exciting Chris at present are advances in lining technology and reinforced liners. In addition to this the diversity of technology available is increasing as time passes, giving all of us opportunities to solve problems without trenches, using methods that were previously not available.
A guiding mentor
Chris notes that he has worked with many wonderful people throughout his career, and says it would not be possible to name all of the key people without leaving someone out. However, one person whose guidance and support deserves a special mention is Bruce Naisbit of South East Water, who recently passed away. “Bruce always took the time to encourage me and gave me plenty of good advice throughout my career, especially the early days,” says Chris.
Life outside of trenchless
Outside of his life in Trenchless Technology, Chris has a busy life with a big family. The oldest of five brothers, Chris was born in Brisbane to immigrant parents who came to Australia with nothing, and went on to build a strong successful family unit.
Chris now calls Melbourne home with his wife and two teenage boys. When he’s not working, he has a second job as a chauffeur to and from his children’s various sporting and social commitments! Both boys are talented soccer players and as Chris says, “It is a joy to be involved in junior sports…most of the time!”
Chris adds, “As those of you that know me will attest, I also enjoy a night out sharing food and drink with good company.”
Amazing anecdotes
When asked to share a favourite anecdote from his time in the industry, Chris pauses for a moment to reflect.
“I’d love to share a story but I’m either punch drunk or have early onset Alzheimer’s because no strong anecdotes come immediately to mind,” he jokes.
“Although,” he adds, “One incident that has remained fresh in my mind occurred overseas about five years ago. Following the NASTT conference in Nashville, a colleague and I had arranged to visit a local relining contractor that we had met to view the inversion of a large diameter (1,200mm) CIPP liner.
“The work was being undertaken in Las Vegas. I know what you’re thinking but it was all work …mostly anyway. We arrived on site at 7 am and after hearing about the gun shots that were fired nearby the night before after a visit from the local gang – whose territory the crew was working in – the crew prepared to invert the liner. A young enthusiastic character entered the manhole to help with the insertion of this particular liner. Given that this is fairly routine we didn’t think much of it. Moving to the other end of the work site, we were in the back of the CCTV van looking down the pipe when I noticed some movement, to my great surprise it wasn’t the liner but the crew member we saw earlier at the other end of the work site crawling up the pipe towards the camera. He continued past the camera and climbed out of the manhole next to the CCTV van. We were shocked and asked if everything was okay to which he replied, ‘Yeah couldn’t be better, I love this job!’
“This incident highlighted to me how lucky we are in this country to have strict OH&S laws and work methods that protect our people from having to put themselves in danger’s way.”
