AGS Victorian Symposium 2026
Victoria’s Big Build: Level Crossing Removal Program
The Victorian Chapter of the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) is pleased to announce the 2026 AGS Victorian Symposium titled “Victoria’s Big Build : Level Crossing Removal Program” to be held on Tuesday 13 October 2026.
The Symposium forms part of the AGS Victoria Chapter’s technical events program and focuses on geotechnical and geomechanical practice associated with Victoria’s Big Build, particularly Level Crossing Removal Projects. It will provide a forum for industry and research stakeholders to share technical experience, challenges, and lessons learned from LXRP delivery across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
The event
Victoria’s Big Build is delivering a major program of transport infrastructure across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, with the Level Crossing Removal Program (LXRP) forming a key component. These projects present complex geotechnical and geomechanical challenges due to variable ground conditions, geological complexity, legacy infrastructure, and the constraints of construction within operational rail and urban environments.
The Symposium will focus on technical knowledge sharing, emphasising applied case histories and practical insights into ground characterisation, design, construction risk management, and performance in complex geological and urban settings. Presentations will showcase innovative solutions, the resolution of technical and delivery challenges, and emerging best practice to support improved project outcomes and risk management on future major transport projects.
The Symposium will bring together practitioners, researchers, technical advisors, client authorities, and industry stakeholders. We hope to share technical experience, challenges encountered, and applied solutions from the planning, design, construction, and delivery of LXRP works. It aims to accelerate knowledge-sharing across the broader geomechanically community and provide practical insights to inform future complex transport projects in Victoria and beyond.
Technical papers and presentations
The Victorian Chapter of the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) invites local and national practitioners, academics, and contractors to submit abstracts on topics related to Victoria’s Big Build: Level Crossing Removal Program (LXRP).
Abstracts should be no more than 300 words and prepared using the provided Word template. Completed abstracts should be submitted to the contact details below by the stated deadline for consideration by the organising committee.
Abstracts will be evaluated based on their quality and relevance to the Symposium theme. Successful authors will be invited to submit either a full paper or an extended abstract as part of their presentation at the Symposium. Submissions are encouraged from geotechnical practitioners, academics and contractors across a broad range of experience levels. The AGS will provide support in obtaining the necessary approvals to present.
The following is a list of suggested topics:
- Case studies and lessons learnt from completed or in-progress level crossing removals
- Geotechnical and structural challenges in rail-under/over-road works
- Interface risk management (services, water, transport, structures)
- Ground investigation strategies and uncertainty management
- Temporary works, support systems and excavation methodology
- Monitoring, instrumentation and performance evaluation
- Construction safety, productivity and innovation
- Digital tools, data-driven decision support and predictive modelling
- Sustainability, whole-of-life outcomes and carbon reduction strategies.
Cost
The symposium cost is to be confirmed. Presenters of both technical papers and posters will receive free entry. Discounts will apply for co-authors (excluding poster presenters).
Sponsorship opportunities
The AGS is pleased to offer three levels of sponsorship for this year’s symposium: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Sponsorship helps the AGS Queensland Chapter committee facilitate high quality events at competitive prices, and we encourage potential sponsors to consider supporting this event.
Interested parties can purchase a sponsorship online.
More information is available in the Sponsorship Flyer.
Engineers Australia members participating in AGS technical sessions can record attendance on their personal CPD logs. Members should refer to Engineers Australia CPD policy for details on CPD types, requirements and auditing guidelines.