About Us & History


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.

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

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.

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 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.
Our Values

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.

IPWEA will achieve this 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.
Our Constitution

IPWEA through the years

IPWEA through the years
Read IPWEA’s Full History

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.