IPWEAQ

Our purpose is to enhance the quality of life for all Queensland communities by advancing the skills, knowledge and resources available to those involved in the planning and provision of public works and services.

A meeting, chaired by Geoff Wilmoth was held in Rockhampton 7 October 1970 proposing the formation of a Queensland local government engineer’s association. The inaugural meeting of the Local Government Engineers’ Association of Queensland (LGEAQ) was held at Southport, 2 October 1972, attended by approximately 50 engineers from various local authorities. TJ (Jim) Abbiss was elected as our founding President.

See our Past Presidents.

The name of the association was changed in 1999 to the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, Queensland then again in 2015 to the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Queensland. In January 2020, the Institute became a Company Limited by Guarantee. As a registered charity, we are able to remove ‘Ltd’ from our name.

1. Our technical publications and products are widely adopted and are leading edge.
2. We uphold professional standards as an RPEQ (Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland) assessor.
3. Our conferences are must-attend events.
4. An IPWEAQ excellence award is highly sought after.
5. Our members enjoy a strong sense of community through our proactive branch network.
6. Our globally recognised Knowledge Centre is an essential resource for anyone involved in public works in Queensland.
7. Our quarterly e-journal is valued for its technical and industry-relevant content.
8. Our comprehensive professional development program is innovative and exceeds the needs of members and industry.
9. Our water directorate (qldwater) strengthens the urban water and sewerage industry to maintain and improve the safety, health, wellbeing and sustainability of Queensland communities.
10. IPWEAQ influences government and industry.

• Provide for the personal and professional development of those involved in the delivery of public works and services in Queensland through education, training and leading-edge resources.
• Ensure those responsible for the delivery of public works and services for communities across Queensland observe and respect the natural environment and work to enhance it for the benefit of future generations.
• Ensure projects and infrastructure delivered to communities across Queensland incorporate best practices to guarantee the health and safety of our citizens.
• Develop and exchange ideas, information and technology in the science and practice of all aspects of public works and share with other industry associations to further benefit society as a whole.
• Encourage and recognise excellence in the delivery of public works and services.
• Advance the knowledge and understanding of the public works sector within the community.
• Provide education tools and resources to enable public works practitioners to observe and respect native title and cultural heritage requirements.
• Promote IPWEAQ as the principal source of credible, authoritative advice and information on all public works and services matters in Queensland.

The IPWEAQ Constitution was adopted at the AGM held in Brisbane, October 2019 following a member's vote to become a Company Limited by Guarantee. 

In 2003, the Institute established the Queensland Water Directorate to provide services to the urban water and sewerage industry. qldwater is a registered business of IPWEAQ.

IPWEAQ became a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) 1 July 2015.

The IPWEAQ Board comprises eight members including the Branch President of four of the five branches (SWQ, SEQ, CQ and NQ). The NT Branch has not elected a Branch President at this time. 

The President of IPWEAQ for the two years commencing from the 2021 AGM held in Cairns, 13 October is Angela Fry. 

Leigh Cunningham was appointed CEO in August 2015. Contact Leigh.Cunningham@ipweaq.com.

We plan to Inform, Connect, Represent and Lead

1. Actively share content and information which informs all relevant stakeholders.
2. Facilitate the bringing together of people and ideas.
3. Elevate the collective views, expertise and professionalism of the sector.
4. Advance the capability, capacity and sustainability of the sector.

Five regional branches have been established for SWQ, SEQ, CQ, NQ and NT. 

For each President's two-year term, we support a charity. Angela Fry has chosen Strengthening Rural Communities (a program of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).

Our state-of-the art training facilities in Eagle Farm, Public Works Professionals has three training rooms, two Boardrooms, two meeting rooms, a Video Studio and functions space, the Engine Room. Available for bookings. Contact Lexy Rohde.

Membership is open to anyone actively involved in the public works sector in Queensland. You do not need to be an engineer.