Infrastructure NSW Mandates ISO 19650-Compliant Common Data Environments

Infrastructure NSW has announced a significant step forward in the digitisation of the design and construction industries. All State Significant Projects will soon be required to operate within an ISO 19650-compliant Common Data Environment (CDE).

This change sets a new benchmark for how information is managed across design, construction, and operations phases of infrastructure delivery in the state. For project teams, consultants, and contractors, the mandate is more than a compliance requirement, it’s an opportunity to improve collaboration, reduce risk, and deliver better project outcomes.

At Civil Survey Solutions (CSS), we welcome this announcement and are ready to help organisations navigate the transition.

Infrastructure Digitalisation Program

The mandate is a core component of Infrastructure NSW’s Infrastructure Digitalisation Program, which aims to lift digital capability and consistency across the infrastructure sector.
Key objectives of the program include:

• Improved Productivity and Transparency: Ensuring data is structured, accurate, and accessible to all project stakeholders.

• Better Asset Lifecycle Management: Establishing data practices that support decision-making from concept through operations and maintenance.

• Innovation Enablement: Providing a common digital foundation that encourages the use of emerging technologies such as digital twins and advanced analytics.

The program provides guidance, standards, and resources to help agencies and delivery partners adopt best-practice digital engineering and information management.

18-Month Transition Period

Infrastructure NSW has confirmed an 18-month transition period to allow agencies, project teams, and contractors to prepare and implement the required processes and technology.
During this time, organisations are expected to:

• Assess existing information management systems and workflows.

• Develop or refine ISO 19650-compliant processes.

• Select and configure a Common Data Environment capable of meeting the standard.

Early planning and action will be critical to avoid last-minute compliance pressures and to capture the performance benefits of a fully digital approach.

Key Insights from the Infrastructure Digitalisation Policy Guide

The “NSW Infrastructure Digitalisation and Data Policy” policy guide provides practical direction for government agencies and delivery partners. Key highlights include:

• Strategic Vision: Digital information is treated as an asset across the entire asset lifecycle, from planning, design, construction, and through to operation.

• ISO 19650 Alignment: Mandates a CDE and structured data management following ISO 19650, emphasising consistent information naming, metadata standards, and controlled workflows.

• Governance & Accountability: Requires clear assignment of information management roles (such as appointing an Information Manager) and strong audit trails.

• Implementation Roadmap: Recommends early stakeholder engagement, digital capability assessments, and progressive rollout to meet the 18-month deadline.

• Benefits: Highlights cost savings, risk reduction, and improved long-term asset performance through standardised digital practices.

These guidelines make it clear that compliance is not only about software, it’s about organisational change and process maturity to achieve a robust digital framework.

What the Mandate Means

ISO 19650 is the international standard for managing information over the whole lifecycle of a built asset using Building Information Modelling (BIM). By mandating ISO 19650-compliant CDEs, Infrastructure NSW reinforces the importance of consistent, structured, and secure information management.

For project stakeholders, this means:

• Single Source of Truth: Centralised, up-to-date project data accessible to all authorised team members.

• Reduced Errors: Less reliance on email and uncontrolled document sharing.

• Auditability and Compliance: Clear records of who did what, when.

• Improved Collaboration: Seamless workflows between designers, contractors, owners, and operators.

Autodesk Docs & the Autodesk Construction Cloud

At Civil Survey Solutions, we partner with Autodesk to deliver platforms that already align with these requirements. Autodesk Docs and the wider Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) ecosystem provide the tools to set up and manage ISO 19650-compliant workflows.

Key capabilities include:

• Document Control: Standardised naming conventions, version control, and approval processes.

• Workflow Automation: Customisable reviews and transmittals to match ISO 19650 requirements.

• Data Security: Permissions and audit trails to ensure the right people have the right access.

• Model Coordination: Bring together design and construction models in one place for better clash detection and resolution.

• Scalability: From small design projects to major infrastructure programs, ACC scales to fit.

With Autodesk Docs as the foundation, project teams can be confident they’re operating in a platform built to meet compliance and deliver value beyond the mandate.

How Civil Survey Solutions Can Help

Transitioning to an ISO 19650-compliant CDE isn’t just about turning on software, it’s about embedding the right processes and skills into your organisation. CSS provides:

• Software Licensing: As an authorised Autodesk reseller, we supply Autodesk Docs and ACC subscriptions tailored to your needs.

• Customisation: We help configure environments to meet ISO 19650 standards, including file naming, metadata, and workflows.

• Implementation Support: Guidance on setting up projects correctly from the start, avoiding costly mistakes later.

• Training: Hands-on training for your teams, ensuring they are confident and capable in day-to-day use.

• Ongoing Support: Local, expert assistance when you need it.

Moving Forward

The Infrastructure NSW mandate is a clear signal that digital best practice is no longer optional for major projects, it’s now the standard. With an 18-month transition window and a clear policy framework now in place, organisations that act early will not only meet compliance but also gain a competitive edge by delivering projects more efficiently and collaboratively.

At Civil Survey Solutions, we’re here to help you plan and execute your ISO 19650 transition so you can fully benefit from this next phase of digital infrastructure delivery.