A slight tremor felt at the opening keynote address of the 2013 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) conference in Darwin offered a timely reminder of the central role of public works professionals in managing and maintaining infrastructure in an often volatile and unpredictable environment.
Associate Professor Carol Boyle, from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Auckland, delivered the address themed ‘Evolving Infrastructure to Meet the Future’.
Covering infrastructure sustainability, including natural hazard resilience – particularly relevant in her local context in Auckland – Boyle’s presentation was given a dose of reality when delegates felt a slight tremor caused by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia just north of Darwin.
The opening session also saw the recognition of industry and sector leaders with the presentation of the prestigious IPWEA awards, including a 2011 public works project in Queensland aimed at resettling residents affected by the devastating 2010/2011 floods.
Named the 2013 Public Works Medal Project of the Year, the Strengthening Grantham Project run by Lockyer Valley Regional Council involved the construction of 121 residential lots to provide safe, flood- and fire-free land to eligible residents of the Lockyer Valley who were affected by the floods.
IPWEA Queensland CEO Suzanna Barnes-Gillard accepted the award on behalf of the Lockyer Valley Regional Council and consultants who worked on the project from GenEng Solutions, Cardno and Pensar Pty Ltd.
The Public Works Leader of the Year award went to Greg McDonald, Director of Infrastructure and Operations at Wyong Shire Council.
McDonald has 20 years civil engineering experience, the majority spent in local government, and is a long-serving and active IPWEA member. He also has a special interest in sustainability and natural resource management, and has introduced water sensitive urban design techniques to a number of councils.
IPWEA CEO Chris Champion said he was completely surprised to be presented with Emeritus membership, the highest form of IPWEA membership.
Champion was one of three members awarded the prestigious accolade, successfully kept secret despite his close involvement with the Institute.
IPWEA President Paul Di Iulio, who presented the award to Mr Champion, said it was a well-deserved recognition of a true leader in the public works sector.
“It’s not easy to keep secrets from the CEO, but in this case it was well worth the effort. Chris has my wholehearted congratulations.”
