Our 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

Our History/ Timeline

Learn about IPWEA and its history through the years.

1905

Foundation of the Association

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

1909

Formation of ILGEA

A meeting of members and shire 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.

1919

Integration into IEAust

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.

1920

Registered Trade Union

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

1990

Formation of IMEA 

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

1999

Transition to IPWEA

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

2013

Formation of IPWEA Australasia

INGENIUM in New Zealand joined as a Special Division of IPWEA to become IPWEA NZ. To reflect the new partnerships and the new direction the organisation was undertaking, the organisation was renamed to “The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia.”

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 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

IPWEA Presidents

Ian Daniels (WA)

Myles Lind (NZ)

Rita Excell (SA)

2023 - Present

2021 - 2023

2020 - 2021

Name Term
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