Peter Taylor was National President of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia from 1999 to 2001. This was at the time when IPWEA was setting itself new directions and underwent a name change from the Institute of Municipal Engineering Australia (IMEA) to provide services to the broader public works sector.
In August 1999, Peter was awarded the prestigious Keith H Wood Medal. This is IPWEA’s highest award recognising “an outstanding engineer in local government who reflects the dedication and contribution to the industry that is worthy of commendation”.
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Peter served on State and National Boards of IPWEA and its predecessors from 1990 to 2001. He was President of the IPWEA Queensland Division from 1995 to 1997. Peter was a member of the National Committee on Local Government Engineering of Engineers Australia from 1995 to 1999.
A graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon, the University of Queensland and the Indian Defence Services Staff College, Peter held several engineering appointments in the Australian Army from 1968 to 1976.
He later began a career in local government, initially as Works Engineer with Hobart City Council, then Launceston, and finally in Toowoomba, where he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Toowoomba City Council in 1999 after almost 15 years with the Council as Deputy City Engineer and City Engineer.
Peter was recognised in 2001 with a Centenary Medal for his significant contribution to local government engineering.
Peter then brought his considerable experience to the role of Chief Executive of Engineers Australia in 2004. In the seven year period before he retired through ill-health, he worked to provide comprehensive long term and focused strategic planning and budgeting – both passions of Peter.
Whether in Defence, Local Government Engineering or General Management, Peter’s career history demonstrated his ability to apply his skills and experience and adapt to new challenges at the highest levels.
Peter made an eminent contribution to the engineering profession for more than 45 years. He was a friend and mentor to many in his profession and will be sadly missed. He is survived by his wife Barbara and their children Penny, Nick and Kate and four grandchildren.