30 Years of Major Infrastructure Partnership in Western Australia

Three decades of trust, innovation, and collaboration have shaped one of Ventia’s longest-running contracts, the Department of Transport Major Infrastructure (DTMI) agreement.

From its inception in 1995 to today, this partnership has grown from a maintenance-focused arrangement into a strategic alliance delivering outstanding asset management and infrastructure solutions across Western Australia’s coastline.

Thirty years of partnership doesn’t happen by chance, it’s built on trust, performance, and innovation.

Mark Ralston, GE Defence and Social Infrastructure

A Journey That Began in 1995

The story started with a modest contract for the maintenance of metropolitan maritime facilities and statewide navigational aids. At the time, TSL (now Ventia) partnered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to deliver services. By 2001, TSL had built the capability to self-perform navigational aid maintenance, securing the second contract and expanding its scope to include asset management and regional boat harbour maintenance.

Together, we’ve delivered critical infrastructure that supports communities and maritime safety across Western Australia.

John Rogers, EGM, Ventia Defence

Evolution Through Innovation

The third contract in 2010 introduced a Managing Contractor Agreement, a collaborative model that enabled delivery of projects up to $5 million and strengthened our role as a trusted partner. In 2020, the current agreement took this partnership to new heights, covering asset management, maintenance, and minor works for coastal infrastructure. With extensions secured, the contract now runs until 2028, marking a 33-year relationship.

Impact That Speaks Volumes

Infrastructure Scale: Managing 905 assets across 35 facilities and 1,453 navigational aids, a 30% increase since inception.
Project Delivery: Over $50 million in facility projects and $3.5 million in navigational aid upgrades, including iconic sites like Hillarys Boat Harbour and Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
Innovation: ISO 55001-aligned Asset Management Plans, mobility solutions for field teams, remote monitoring technologies, and underwater inspection capabilities.
Awards: Supported DTMI in winning WA Marina of the Year and multiple Marina Industries Association accolades.

Leadership Reflections

“This milestone is a testament to the strength of collaboration and shared vision between Ventia and the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure. Together, we’ve delivered critical infrastructure that supports communities and maritime safety across WA.” — John Rogers, EGM, Ventia Defence

“Thirty years of partnership doesn’t happen by chance, it’s built on trust, performance, and innovation. Our teams have consistently gone further to meet the evolving needs of the Department and the people of Western Australia.” — Mark Ralston, GE Defence and Social Infrastructure

“The DTMI contract is more than a service agreement; it’s a story of resilience and adaptability. From responding to cyclones to implementing cutting-edge asset management practices, we’ve proven what true partnership looks like.” — Pierre Cassian, Project Manager

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 30 years of partnership, we remain focused on innovation, sustainability, and service excellence. This milestone is more than a number, it’s a demonstration of trust, collaboration, and shared vision for the future of Western Australia’s maritime infrastructure.