Home » The largest public works conference in Australasia set to thrive in Melbourne

The largest public works conference in Australasia set to thrive in Melbourne

The 2024 International Public Works Conference will be held from 29 April – 3 May in the bustling city of Melbourne.

IPWEA Australasia, together with IPWEA Victoria are set to host a stimulating conference with a program that will feature keynote speakers, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and highly respected public works professionals from Australasia and around the globe.

Held every two years, this conference will continue its tradition of being the largest public works and infrastructure asset management event held in Australasia and will cover current best practice, case studies and leading-edge initiatives across four key streams: public works in action, technology, asset management and sustainability.

The central conference theme Adaptation: Thriving in a New World reflects the global need to adapt and grow within an evolving landscape. Adaptation is essential for progress and sustainability in the rapidly evolving fields of public works and engineering.

One of the highlights of the 2024 Conference is the keynote address by one of Australia’s leading social commentators and demographer Bernard Salt, who understands that many Australians are challenged by major trends such as automation, artificial intelligence and the lack of skilled immigration post-pandemic.

Salt’s address will highlight how rapid growth creates demand for infrastructure, which creates a demand for engineering skills, which will then require immigration to fulfil.

Of great interest in the emerging technology space will be the return of the Smart Lighting and Street Controls Forum to be held on Wednesday 1 May. This one-day forum has attracted high-calibre international speakers and will feature presentations on the growing role of multi-functional poles, Australia’s most innovative public lighting deployments and international case studies.

In keeping with emerging technologies, we can expect to learn more about how robotics will change the landscape in which we operate, in the keynote address by Nicci Rossouw, the CEO of Robotics Australia Group.

The venue for the 2024 Conference is the Melbourne Convention and Entertainment Centre.

Presented over four days, in Melbourne’s newly developed South Wharf precinct, the magnificent Convention and Exhibition Centre is just a footbridge over the Yarra River from Melbourne’s CBD. This is the perfect city to host an international affair like IPWC.

With a full program, significant networking and social functions held at iconic venues, a comprehensive exhibition of products and services and technical tours showcasing the very best of the best, this is a Conference with a long history offering something for everybody involved with public works.

For more information and to register, visit ipwc.com.au

Digital Editions


  • VLGA launches 2026 Mary Rogers Awards

    VLGA launches 2026 Mary Rogers Awards

    The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), in partnership with the Victorian Government, is proud to be launching the Mary Rogers Awards for women in local…

More News

  • Morris takes office in Newcastle

    Morris takes office in Newcastle

    Gavin Morris has become the 16th Lord Mayor of Newcastle following the declaration of the by-election results from 18 April. The NSW Electoral Commission made the announcement on 5 May.…

  • Sports planning convention

    Sports planning convention

    Local governments play a critical role in shaping the future of community sport, recreation and active living. From planning and investing in facilities, to maintaining sports grounds and delivering programs…

  • Redlands on the runway to the Olympics

    Redlands on the runway to the Olympics

    Redlands Coast businesses and industry leaders have come together at a special event in Alexandra Hills to share ideas, network and forward plan for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic…

  • Urgent action needed on childcare

    Urgent action needed on childcare

    NSW councils are demanding urgent action to expand and properly fund council-run childcare services in response to a parliamentary inquiry into the early childhood education and care sector, finding that…

  • Paving the way sustainably

    Paving the way sustainably

    City of Moreton Bay is paving the way for more sustainable roads, partnering with infrastructure company Fulton Hogan in 2024/25 to facilitate a Queensland first research and development project aimed…

  • Taking a hard-line on soft plastics

    Taking a hard-line on soft plastics

    Giving soft plastics a second, third, fourth life – and counting. “Nice work Surf Coast, your soft plastic recycling efforts are paying off, with the first shipment from Anglesea now…

  • Greater Geraldton bridge lauded

    Greater Geraldton bridge lauded

    City of Greater Geraldton bridge replacement project wins prestigious engineering award Inovative engineering has earned the recently completed Nangetty-Walkaway Road Bridge Replacement Project top honours at the 2026 Institute of…

  • New paint technology at Alexandrina

    New paint technology at Alexandrina

    A paint trial is taking the heat out of Alexandrina’s council infrastructure. Alexandrina Council’s Alexandrina Wastewater division is trialing new paint technology to cool down the temperatures inside cabinetry housing…

  • Rotary honours library employee

    Rotary honours library employee

    Whyalla Public Library’s Chris Barsby has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to youth learning, receiving a Special Community Award from the Rotary Club of Whyalla. The award celebrates her…

  • Surfcoast Ecotourism champs

    Surfcoast Ecotourism champs

    Ecotourism Australia is proud to announce that the Surf Coast Shire has officially earned ECO Destination Certification, formally recognising the region’s adherence to global best practice sustainable tourism and environmental…