Media Release 23rd January 2024   IPWEA International Asset Management Congress returns to Canberra with cohost IPWEA NSW & ACT   We are pleased to announce the IPWEA International Asset Management Congress will be returning in 2024 in partnership with IPWEA NSW & ACT. The event will be held in the nation’s capital, at the National Convention Centre in Canberra, from 27th to 29th November, 2024.   Last year’s 2023 International Asset Management

Speeding is the biggest single factor involved in road deaths, contributing to around 40% of road fatalities each year in NSW. This Standard is critical to implementing a safe systems approach to road safety and keeping us on track to achieving our aspirational goal of zero trauma on the NSW road network by 2050. The NSW Speed Zoning Standard now provides a greater level of detail on setting of safe speed limits, particularly for low-speed environments, increased community engagement and al

The Federal Government has recently announced that council funding for the Roads to Recovery Program will double from $500M to $1B over the next few years. The IPWEA NSW & ACT Roads and Transport Directorate have long advocated for this change, as evidenced by our 2023 Local Roads Congress Communiqué.Also announced was an increase in Black Spot Funding and the merger of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and the Bridges Renewal Program.These changes are a significant win for l

The Australian Federal Government has recently released the recommendations from the Independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP). IPWEA NSW & ACT is pleased to see recommendations to improve funding models and consultation on Local Government infrastructure projects. The Institute believes that the recommendations are an effective first step to addressing the infrastructure and skills deficits councils are currently facing. You can view the executive summary h

  The incoming Treasurer’s first Budget was handed down on Tuesday with no real surprises and a predictable focus on debt reduction and public sector wages growth.Daniel Mookhey handed down the Appropriations Bill to the NSW Parliament acknowledging that high inflation and a tight employment market are the focus of the Government’s economic plan.Cuts were made to a number of programs including the Active Kids Voucher, arts and cultural programs and, notably, the axing of the $3000 EV subsid

The 2023 Local Roads Congress was a great success earlier this month where we hosted over 100 senior council staff, councillors and ministers were present at this year’s event, under the theme of ‘Sustainable Investment’.Ministers John Graham and Jenny Atchison, and Shadow Ministers Natalie Ward and Sam Faraway provided keynote addresses followed by a ministerial panel discussion which was respectful and cooperative.We had five technical experts providing presentations and followed up with

The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (NSW and ACT) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Elliott as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.Institute President, Grant Baker - GAICD, said the appointment concluded an exhaustive search and he welcomed Mr Elliott’s addition to the peak body.“The Board concluded that David’s previous experience as a Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister and Chief Executive of the Civil Contractors Federation (NSW) mea

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a well-known phrase in today’s world. Ten years ago, not so much. Twenty years ago, about 65-70% of females aged 25-40 years old worked, compared to over 90% of males the same age. Go back another 20 years and the participation of females in the workforce was only 45%.

  IPWEA NSW & ACT welcome’s the recent announcement by the NSW Government that they will fund $500 million towards pothole repairs for NSW councils through the Regional and Local Roads Repair program. With the recent wet weather, flooding and other natural disasters, local roads within NSW have significantly degraded, leading to an extensive number of potholes and other defects throughout the local road network. This has culminated in a significant repair program for NSW councils to man

Country Mayors’ calls for help to recover from disastrous year

As Warren Sharpe OAM hangs up his high-vis this week after almost 38 years with Eurobodalla Shire Council, he’d like to share some parting thoughts.   As a local government engineer it is amazing to be able to help build a safer, more equitable, prosperous and resilient community while looking after this unique place we know as Eurobodalla.  It is the challenge of most regional councils and a financial reality that our rate base in Eurobodalla cannot support the range of services we de

• $3.5 billion to support impacted communities and established the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation to set and implement reconstruction priorities in the region.