TPA GC Branch & PIA Research Spotlight
Thursday 5 February 2026
Time
5.00pm - 8.00pm AEST (Bris)
Registration starts at 5:00pm, with presentations commencing at 5:30pm.
Format In-Person Technical Seminar
Location
Griffith University Business School (G42), Level 3,
Room 5, Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport 4215 (Adjacent to Griffith University Tram Station)
(Bundjalung Country)
CPD 2 CPD Points (Self Allocated)
Tickets
| Members | $25.00 |
| Student and Government Subscribers | Complimentary |
| Corporate Subscribers | 20% off non-member |
| Non-Members | $35.00 |
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About this event
Join us to hear from Griffith & Bond University PhD and Masters Graduates on topics from road ecology, sensory urban design, suburban walkability, and green bridges.
In conjunction with our technical component, there will be plenty of opportunity to network and celebrate the new calendar year with our Gold Coast branch members and PIA peers.
Speakers and presentations:
- Dr Christoper Johnson | Senior Transport Ecologist & Doctoral Graduate
Road Ecology & Transport Planning - Practical innovations, including Roads4Wildlife' frameworks for assessing and managing road impacts on birdlife. - Avishek Paul | Senior Town Planner & Doctoral Researcher
Walking in the ‘burbs: Urban design analysis for enhancing walkability in Gold Coast suburbs - Krizia Sanchez Mendoza | Urban Planner & Masters Graduate
Sensory-aware design tools to support autistic children’s experiences in public spaces. - Dr Madison Bland | Senior Active Transport Planner & Doctoral Graduate
Planning for large-scale active transport infrastructure: Case study of Gold Coast's Green Bridge program
Light catering is included in all event registrations.
Registrations close Wednesday 4 February 2026.
For more information please contact the team at TPA.
Speakers
Dr Christoper Johnson | Senior Transport Ecologist & Doctoral Graduate | Umwelt Environmental & Social Consultants
Chris is an ecologist with a strong interest in how we can better design, plan, and manage infrastructure to support wildlife - especially in urban and road-affected environments. His PhD at Griffith University focused on making road ecology more practical and effective, from developing species-specific acoustic monitoring methods to investigating how well road design policies are actually applied on the ground. Chris has worked across research, industry, and community sectors, including roles in ecological restoration, environmental planning, and youth conservation leadership. He’s contributed to bushfire and rehabilitation strategies for mine sites, authored reports that shaped the restoration of major wildlife crossings in Brisbane, and collaborated with government and community partners to improve biodiversity outcomes in infrastructure projects. He also writes for TransportEcology.info, helping to translate research and case studies into accessible resources for practitioners. At the heart of his work is a commitment to bridging the gap between science and practice - making sure ecological knowledge doesn’t just sit in journals, but gets used in ways that make a difference.
Avishek Paul | Senior Town Planner & Doctoral Researcher | Place Design Group
Avi is currently working as a Senior Town Planner at Place Design Group as he finalises his PhD thesis. His research has sought to understand the important topic of walkability in the 'burbs' by better understanding the barriers and opportunities to walking connectivity, safety and user experience in Gold Coast suburbs. Avi's background brings a blend of industry experience in DA Planning, academic research and a background in architecture, providing a practical and evidence-based approach to achieve innovative, outcome-focused solutions.
Krizia Sanchez Mendoza | Urban Planner & Masters Graduate | Queensland Office of the Coordinator-General
Krizia is a Project officer with the Queensland Office of the Coordinator-General. She holds a Master of Urban and Environmental Planning and combined with a background in architecture and landscape design, brings both creativity and technical rigour to her work.
My focus is on inclusive and people-focused planning - creating places that are accessible, welcoming, and genuinely supportive of the people who use them.
Her Master's research specifically investigated sensory-aware design tools to support autistic children's experiences in public spaces.
Dr Madison Bland | Senior Active Transport Planner & Doctoral Graduate | City of Gold Coast Council
Madison is currently working with City of Gold Coast Council as a Senior Active Transport Planner, Madison completed his industry-facing PhD at Griffith university in collaboration with the City. Combining his personal and professional interests in active travel, his research sought to understand and unlock the barriers to walking and cycling connectivity through large-scale infrastructure implementations. His work and research seek to advance the provisioning of safe and connected walking and cycling networks, aiming to remove barriers for others seeking to adopt a car-lite and more active lifestyle.
Event Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in presentations and at events are those of the individual presenters and do not reflect the official policy, position, or views of the Transport Professionals Association (formerly AITPM).
We proudly support and encourage diversity of thought and perspective within our professional community. By providing a platform for a broad range of voices and ideas, we aim to foster respectful dialogue, innovation, and continuous learning across the industry.
Join the Transport Professionals Association members from these organisations who have already registered including:
| Organisation | State |
|---|---|
| Jacobs | QLD |
| City of Gold Coast | QLD |
| Griffith University | QLD |
| Outer Loop Consulting | QLD |
| AECOM Australia Pty Ltd | QLD |
| Arup | QLD |
| Aurecon | QLD |
| Colliers International Engineering & Design (TTMC) Pty Ltd | QLD |
| Senior Transport Ecologist & Doctoral Graduate | QLD |
| Colliers International Engineering & Design (TTMC) Pty Ltd | QLD |
| Queensland University of Technology | QLD |
| Department Transport and Main Roads | QLD |
| AECOM | QLD |
| AECOM | QLD |
| Place Design Group | QLD |
| Marvel Engineers | QLD |
| Queensland University of Technology | QLD |
| Queensland Office of the Coordinator-General | QLD |
| Kaizen Transport Solutions | QLD |
