Utopia (Australia)
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About
Set inside the offices of the "Nation Building Authority", a newly created government organisation responsible for overseeing major infrastructure projects, Utopia explores that moment when bureaucracy and grand dreams collide. It's a tribute to those political leaders who have somehow managed to take a long-term vision and use it for short-term gain.
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Seasons
Episodes
Season 1 (August 2014 - October 2014)
1. Wood for the Trees(26 min)
Aired: 13-08-2014
Attempts to sign an international development deal are compromised by Rhonda's decision to redesign the NBA's logo. Nat has to find room for a community garden within a waterfront development.
2. Protected Species(26 min)
Aired: 20-08-2014
Tony is forced to step in when an endangered grass threatens to derail plans for a new container terminal. Rhonda is convinced that the NBA needs a major overhaul of its website.
3. Very Fast Turnover(26 min)
Aired: 27-08-2014
A trip to Canberra leads to Tony being forced to investigate the feasibility of building a very fast train. Amy decides to conduct an office safety audit.
4. Onwards and Upwards(27 min)
Aired: 03-09-2014
Tony is reluctantly dragged in when the developer of a low-rise inner city building project decides he wants to double the height of his apartment block... and then triple it again.
5. Arts and Minds(27 min)
Aired: 10-09-2014
The decision to include roadside art on a major highway upgrade leads to controversy. Things go from bad to worse when Tony's visit to a primary school results in the actual launch of Australia's first space program.
6. Then We Can Build It(27 min)
Aired: 17-09-2014
Concerned that Tasmania's infrastructure needs have been overlooked, Jim sends Tony and the team south for a series of public forums.
7. The First Project(26 min)
Aired: 24-09-2014
Slightly disillusioned by his first 11 months in the job, Tony thinks back to when it all began. The launch of the NBA was a great success but within weeks Jim was at his door, desperate for some sort of new public announcement.
8. The Whole Enchilada(28 min)
Aired: 01-10-2014
Tony is forced to evaluate plans for expanding the Ord River Scheme. Nat has issues with a stalled highway upgrade. Unfortunately for them the rest of the office is distracted by plans for a Mexican-themed anniversary party.
Season 2 (August 2015 - October 2015)
1. A Fresh Start(27 min)
Aired: 19-08-2015
It's a new year and Tony is determined to focus on big things. Unfortunately, small things get in the way. Meanwhile, Nat's attempts to assist a local community unleash a multi-billion dollar government initiative.
2. Shovel's Ready(26 min)
Aired: 26-08-2015
After years of meticulous planning nothing can prevent a major tunnelling project getting started. Except Rhonda. Meanwhile Nat makes the fatal mistake of asking HR for help.
3. Keep Out: Public Property(25 min)
Aired: 02-09-2015
Tony and his team are forced to justify why a new foreshore park now seems to have very little park. Nat is desperate for a parcel to arrive and the entire office gets caught up in Healthy Heart Week.
4. Dot Dot Dot(27 min)
Aired: 09-09-2015
When the Government announces 'Education Nation' it is met with rapturous praise. Only one problem - no one knows what it is. Nat is tasked with handling a Freedom of Information request.
5. Terminal Problems(28 min)
Aired: 16-09-2015
After months of working on a major new project Jim asks Tony for one small change. He wants the project killed. Rhonda nominates Nat to be keynote speaker at a conference.
6. Starting the Conversation(26 min)
Aired: 23-09-2015
Tony refuses to be drawn into a planning dispute. Meanwhile, Rhonda is keen to raise the NBA's level of online engagement, leading to social media mayhem.
7. Reporting for Duty(26 min)
Aired: 30-09-2015
When the business case for a new cross-city tunnel proves hopeless there is only one thing to do - find another business case. Nat is determined to sack an inept worker and Amy completes a barista course.
8. Summit Attempt(26 min)
Aired: 07-10-2015
Tony's attempt at a holiday is derailed by the arrival of a new minister, a wifi upgrade and Rhonda. Plans for an infrastructure conference become complicated when Karsten gets involved.
Season 3 (July 2017 - September 2017)
1. Blue Sky Thinking(25 min)
Aired: 19-07-2017
Jim and Rhonda force Tony to help step in and save a flawed government scheme. Nat is driven mad by a local council worried about a proposed development.
2. Smart Cities(25 min)
Aired: 26-07-2017
Rhonda forces Tony to be keynote speaker at the Smart Cities conference. Nat is looking set for a promotion until Beverley from HR decides to step in. The arrival of a new couch has unintended consequences.
3. Nation Shapers(26 min)
Aired: 02-08-2017
Nat is asked to help out the Minister with a problem-plagued I.T. project. Meanwhile, a poor radio interview sees Tony forced to undertake media training.
4. Clause For Concern(27 min)
Aired: 09-08-2017
The NBA team is asked to help out with the sale of a port; Rhonda decides it is time for a digital upgrade; and Tony is forced to spend a night outdoors in the name of charity.
5. Start Up(28 min)
Aired: 16-08-2017
Fresh from a trip to Silicon Valley, Jim asks Tony for help getting the Government involved in the world of start-ups. Meanwhile, a complaint from an ex-employee sees Nat accused of bullying.
6. Snouts In The Trough(26 min)
Aired: 23-08-2017
Jim and Rhonda ask Tony for help building a new airport rail link, but Tony's proposal shocks them both. Meanwhile, Nat has her entire week derailed by a tweet.
7. On The Defence(27 min)
Aired: 30-08-2017
With a major defence white paper about to be launched Jim and Rhonda ask Tony for help. Meanwhile Nat is summoned to Canberra for an exciting new job. Back at the office it is time for a Risk and Safety audit.
8. Independence Day(27 min)
Aired: 06-09-2017
After threatening to resign Tony is offered his own independent infrastructure board but Jim has his own ideas about the word "independent". Rhonda & Beverley decide it's time for a new office reporting structure.
Season 4 (August 2019 - October 2019)
1. The Law's The Law(25 min)
Aired: 21-08-2019
Tony and Jim clash over the best way to tackle high level company tax fraud. Keen to launch a major Government report, Rhonda seeks help from a well-known television personality.
2. Working With Children(26 min)
Aired: 28-08-2019
The arrival of a work experience student leads to unexpected Ministerial developments. Nat is invited to join a prestigious board but soon finds herself clashing with the Chair.
3. Pipe Dreams(25 min)
Aired: 04-09-2019
Tony's opportunity to pitch an important proposal is undermined by computer issues. Nat and Rhonda are forced to deal with community backlash from a prematurely-announced construction project.
4. Mission Creeps(28 min)
Aired: 11-09-2019
Tony is asked by the Minister to oversee the implementation on a new electronic I.D card scheme. Nat and Ash must face the fact that their expensive wildlife project preservation may not have actually preserved any wildlife.
5. The Blame Game(26 min)
Aired: 18-09-2019
Tony is forced to defend himself when Jim and Rhonda try to blame a failed project on the NBA. Nat and Ash prepare for an important overseas trade delegation. And the new office security system proves a little too 'secure'.
6. Ticks Of Approval(27 min)
Aired: 25-09-2019
A routine urban development project proves surprisingly difficult for Tony when multiple Government departments get involved. Nat is forced to assist the Minister with a major challenge - choosing this year's Christmas cards.
7. Levers Of Power(24 min)
Aired: 02-10-2019
Tony is on the verge of completing a major report when Rhonda invites an ABC documentary crew to spend a week in the NBA offices. And the NBA staff are divided over an important issue of office catering.
8. The Ghost of Christmas Future(25 min)
Aired: 09-10-2019
Following a trip to Canberra Tony finds himself at loggerheads with Rhonda and Jim after he refuses to back a major new government initiative. Nat and Ash are forced to break some bad news to the Minister.
Season 5 (June 2023 - July 2023)
1. The Buck Stops Where?(28 min)
Aired: 07-06-2023
The beleaguered staff of the NBA are still trying to get the job done in the face of endless backflips, government interference and ever-shifting priorities. Tony and Scott investigate prolonged delays on a freeway upgrade.
2. Grand Designs(25 min)
Aired: 14-06-2023
Tony cops media heat for a solar scheme with poor public uptake, and a completed bypass is held up from opening due to some signage for a problematic monument. Patrick the accountant torments the office with his stories.
3. The Promise Land(26 min)
Aired: 21-06-2023
The Government stalls on an election promise of the NBA moving to independent status and the office undergoes workplace respect training, complicating a prospective romance between Nat and a visiting consultant.
4. Tunnel Vision(27 min)
Aired: 28-06-2023
Jim ups security measures while trying to sway the outcome of tenders for an international partnership. Nat is infuriated by her new assistant. The office is challenged by a group of school kids on green energy initiatives.
5. Lights, Camera, Inaction(28 min)
Aired: 05-07-2023
Tony is frozen out by the Minister when he's reluctant to announce an ambitious new project. The NBA comes under scrutiny by UNESCO over the Great Barrier Reef's endangerment status. Scott starts an NBA TikTok account.
6. Story Time(24 min)
Aired: 12-07-2023
Rhonda forces Tony to fast track a long-term regional rail project. Nat goes the wrong kind of viral for a problematic photo. Ash investigates a recurring charge on the company account, while adjusting to his new e-scooter.
7. Frequently Avoided Questions(24 min)
Aired: 19-07-2023
A security consultant creates stress by leveling up the NBA's cyber safety. Nat faces the consequences of an inept employee. Jim lumps Tony with responding to a freight report the Minister's failed to act upon.
8. Wide Awoke(28 min)
Aired: 26-07-2023
Nat and Ash work on deciphering who owns the title on an historic project. Tony's important presentation is derailed by Rhonda's insistence that the office undergoes an E.S.G pulse check. Brian works on securing the building.