Ever wondered what asset management is like in the US? How the French approach roading? Why the Danish are renowned for their innovation?
IPWEA is offering you the chance to find out with the announcement of its 20-day International Study Tour to the US, France and Denmark. Study tour travel grants that cover most of the cost are available in some States (NSW, QLD, WA, SA).
The trip will include visits to local councils and organisations in Dallas, Phoenix, Paris, and Copenhagen.
While in the US, delegates will also attend the American Public Works Congress and Exhibition in Phoenix on 30 August to 2 September.
Those who wish to extend the trip also have the opportunity to stay on and further explore the UK and Europe privately.
First-hand experience
IPWEA’s last International study tour commenced in the US in Anaheim, before travelling to England, Scotland, Belgium and France and concluded in Amsterdam in The Netherlands.
Nambucca Shire Council Assistant General Manager of Engineering Services, Paul Gallagher was one of the delegates on the tour. What he saw while on tour left quite an impression on him and he has since implemented some of the technology in his own council.
While in Anaheim at the start of the tour, he noticed the use of solar-powered bins for rubbish and recycling collection were strategically placed throughout the city.
“These bins collect up to four or five times more waste than a traditional 240lt MGB by compacting the waste using solar power to charge their batteries,” he told PWPro.
“I was very impressed with the economical returns [of] not having to empty the bins each day and I received a grant to install 15 of these bins throughout my shire. After eight months, I am seeing significant results and a decrease the amount of litter and debris.”
According to Gallagher, the tour opened up the opportunity to meet with engineers, planners and other professionals from abroad and investigate what is considered ‘best practice’ in their respective countries.
A number of recurrent themes became evident from his travels and he identified the following key trends while on the tour:
• Catering for urban growth & development and liveable communities
• Sustainability issues – stormwater quality initiatives and waste management
• Linking to infrastructure management
• Community consultation/engagement versus levels of service and funding levels versus asset management
“I would definitely recommend and encourage my fellow colleagues across the industry to go on a IPWEA study tour,” said Gallagher.
“I have made some new friends for life and experienced a whole new aspect of engineering that has opened my eyes and allowed me to gain valuable insight into what is happening within overseas local government and bring that knowledge back to the benefit of my own Council, the wider community and local government in general.”
Paul gives his top tips on applying for a study tour grant:
• Be honest and open in your application
• Describe who you are, what you do in your career and what you would like to get out of the tour
• Read the criteria carefully and address the points
• If you are a successful candidate, be prepared for long days
• Go with an open mind, and don’t be afraid to ask questions – most of all make sure you make the most of your time on the tour
The Study Tour is an opportunity to broaden your perspective of the world and experience international Public Works practice.
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