History

Our History

Explore our history and our evolution from local government engineering to a broader public works focus.

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An arrow with an image of an incomplete sydney harbour bridge


Previously known as the Institute of Municipal Engineering Australia (IMEA), IPWEA has expanded its traditional local government engineering focus to broader public works, covering all tiers of government as well as the private sector, which comprises 40% of IPWEA membership.

Almost all of Australia and New Zealand’s professional consultancy firms that specialise in public sector infrastructure – including roads, water, power, rail, ports and airports – have managers and staff who are members of IPWEA.

IPWEA is a Technical Society of Engineers Australia, providing savings and additional benefits to members including accreditation of qualifications, training, networking and exchange of specialist expertise.

Mission

Our Mission

To be the peak professional association that leads public works and services, asset management planning, delivery and operations.

Vision

Our Vision

To enhance the quality of life of our communities through public works and services.

IPWEA has a long and proud history of supporting public works engineers. We are focused on delivering further value by helping public works and asset management professionals develop their careers through lifelong learning.


The new 3-year strategy will deliver a comprehensive educational pathway with an emphasis on driving more value in membership whilst continuing to promote professionalism, education and knowledge sharing in its global communities.


David Jenkins | CEO IPWEA

Our History

A quick journey through the milestones that shaped IPWEA.

  1. 1905 Foundation

    An Association was formed under the shadow of the Shires Act which transferred works of local government nature from the Roads and Bridges Section of the Public Works Department to Councils.

  2. 1909 Identity

    A meeting of members and other Engineers including representatives from New Zealand decided to adopt a new name. “The Institute of Local Government Engineers of Australasia” was formed and its membership included engineers from all States and New Zealand

  3. 1919 National footprint

    As this association came to represent all professional engineers in Australasia, its name again changed to “The Institute of Engineers Australia” in 1919 and the Institute became a branch within the new institution.

  4. 1920 Trade Union

    The name changed to “The Association of Local Government Engineers of New South Wales” and it was registered as a trade union.

  5. 1990 IMEA

    The professional and industrial areas of the association were separated and the “Institute of Municipal Engineering Australasia” was formed. The IMEA was recognised as the leading local government organisation representing the technical professions providing a range of services to its members.

  6. 1999 Becoming IPWEA

    The IMEA resolved to further expand its membership and range of services and to reflect this change rename the “Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia”. The change of name reflects the new direction the organisation is taking as a response to ongoing changes in local government engineering practice.

  7. 2013 New Partnership

    INGENIUM in New Zealand joined as a Special Division of IPWEA to become IPWEA NZ. To reflect this new partnership and the new direction the organisation was embarking upon, the organisation name was changed to “The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia.”

  8. Next Looking forward

    The next chapter

    Where we go next is shaped by members, partners and the communities we serve.

Read IPWEA’s Full History

Our Values

IPWEA people share a set of core values that define our accepted standards and behaviours. They define us as an organisation, the way we work together and with our members, communities and stakeholders.

Our Values

Young female against a grey and orange background

IPWEA and Division Constitutions

The object for which IPWEA is established is to enhance the quality of life in communities through the application of continuous improvement and best practice principles to all aspects of public works and services, infrastructure planning, delivery and operations.

Our Objectives

  • Engage with and inspire members and the greater public works community.
  • Grow professional networks to inform, connect and transfer knowledge.
  • Engage with strategic partners and industry.
  • Provide leadership and advocacy to influence policy and industry direction.
  • Research, develop and deliver programs, products and services that build professional capacity.
  • Govern and operate effectively, efficiently and sustainably.

Achieving Our Objectives

IPWEA will achieve its objectives by:

  1. Promoting excellence in the delivery of public works and services, in part by providing support and leadership to persons involved in the industry.
  2. Advancing public works and services issues and promoting the IPWEA Group as a principal source of credible, authoritative advice on all public works and services matters.
  3. Being a peak or leading body representing all persons involved in the planning and provision of public works and services.
  4. Developing and exchanging ideas, information and technology in the science and practice of all aspects of public works, including between different industry associations.
  5. Fostering the personal and professional growth of all persons involved in the delivery of public works and services.

A group of young professionals talking to each other

IPWEA through the years

IPWEA through the years

Past Presidents and CEOs

IPWEA Presidents

Ian Daniels (WA)

Myles Lind (NZ)

Rita Excell (SA)

2023 - Present

2021 - 2023

2020 - 2021

Mat Greskie (TAS)

2017 - 2019

Ross Goyne (VIC)

2015 - 2017

Michael Kahler (QLD)

2014 - 2015

Paul Di lulio (SA)

2011 - 2014

John Truman (NSW)

2009 - 2011

Dave Harris (WA)

2007 - 2009

David Abbott (NSW)

2005 - 2007

Warren Roberts (VIC)

2003 - 2005

Ross Moody (WA)

2001 - 2003

Peter Taylor (QLD)

1999 - 2001

Chris Watson (NSW)

1997 - 1999

Peter Way (QLD)

1995 - 1997

Ian C Robins (VIC)

1993 - 1995

D G (Jack) Riddiford (TAS)

1991 - 1993

Gavin Watters (WA)

1989 - 1991

Terry G Gibson (NSW)

1986 - 1989

Derek C Stringfellow (QLD)

1984 - 1986

Arthur R Runge (VIC)

1982 - 1984

J R MacKenzie (VIC)

1981 - 1982

E J (Ted) Hooper (NSW)

1977 - 1980

IPWEA CEOs

David Jenkins

Ben Balov (Acting)

Robert Fuller

2019 - Present

2018 - 2019

2015 - 2018

Chris Champion

2000 - 2015

Don H Sheffield

1995 - 2000

Keith H Wood

1977 - 1995

The IPWEA Logo


The triangular symbol in the IPWEA logo was created to represent the three pursuits of the Institute - professionalism, education and technical expertise. It is also symbolic of the Institute's direction - the application of resources and technical knowledge to a future of progress and achievement.