Home » Top issues in public works a focus at Cairns conference

Top issues in public works a focus at Cairns conference

The IPWEA’s Cairns International Conference, to be held at the world renowned Cairns Convention Centre from 26–30 August, promises to be the highlight of the year on the public works calendar.

The record response to the call for abstracts is an indication of the standing the IPWEA National Conference has developed in Australia and overseas. In addition to all States being represented, there will be 24 international papers.

The conference will provide
132 papers in six concurrent streams over three days plus four plenary sessions with six keynote speakers. The hot issues to be addressed at the conference in keynote and technical sessions include:

  • climate change
  • water management
  • asset management
  • skills shortage.

CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Don Henry, will deliver the opening keynote address on the issue of the impact of climate change on public works which is sure to place another pressure in the sustainability of Local Government.

Climate change will also be addressed by Professor John Martin from Latrobe University with a focus on risk management and implementation issues for Local Government.

Engineer and economist, John Howard, NAMS.AU Project Manager, will outline the Australian Infrastructure Financial Management Guidelines which has for the first time brought together technical and financial expertise to provide a pathway to financial sustainability for Local Government.

Paul Baker from leading HR consultants, Hudson will address Australia’s worsening skills shortage, while international water resource management specialist, Ronnie McKenzie, will speak on his worldwide experience in water demand management and the lessons learnt in other dry parts of the world.

The conference will again deliver two conferences for the price of one with two concurrent streams on asset management over the three days.

For further information visit www.ipwea.org.au/cairns2007 or contact Passion8 Event Planners on (07) 4032 4618 or email passion8@passion8.com.au

 

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