Introducing the 2024 IPWEA White Paper

It has been three years since the last White Paper on best practice management of public works infrastructure was published and a lot has happened since. The new 2024 version which is now available to download, calls for an industry wide uplift of skills in Asset Management.

Investing in education and training has been a proven strategy to address gaps in any profession. Given most public works agencies operate in financially constrained environments, it is crucial there are capable paraprofessionals skilled in the planning of future infrastructure projects. Regardless of location, local communities deserve safe and reliable services from public works infrastructure such as roads, water, parks, and other publicly accessible facilities.

Recognised by the World Partners in Asset Management under the Global Certification Scheme, the IPWEA Asset Management Pathway provides effective capability development and has proven to be an effective mainstay in the best practice management of public works infrastructure. Aligned to the international standards for asset management, delivered within a scalable and consistent framework for infrastructure planning and reporting, the IPWEA White Paper provides a pragmatic approach for the best practice management of public works infrastructure.

Sustainable and affordable service delivery from infrastructure assets is critical for the successful economic, environmental and social activity of the nation.

Infrastructure such as water supplies, roads, sanitation, and public buildings are by far the largest investment and most complex assets that a community owns. Public infrastructure assets provide essential services that underpin community wellbeing.

Continuously seeking to improve infrastructure asset management capability can bring significant benefits. From creating employment opportunities to sustaining our natural environment, asset management of public infrastructure is the foundation of resilient communities and their long-term wellbeing. IPWEA supports infrastructure managers to understand and respond to the current and emerging infrastructure management needs faced by our planet.

This white paper identifies the importance of asset management and the need for ongoing investment to building capacity the profession. Our recommendations for all levels of government will ensure infrastructure assets are managed effectively to provide the services that communities need.